Veteran Congressman Haroon Yusuf’s untainted personal image up against incumbent MLA Imran Hussain of AAP
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — As the Election Commission announced the dates for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, political fervour has begun to rise across the city. With the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) striving to retain power for a fourth consecutive term, the main opposition parties – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress – are equally determined to make a strong comeback.
Among the many seats that will be closely contested, the Ballimaran Assembly seat in central Delhi stands out. This seat, located in the heart of the city, has always remained a stronghold of Muslim voters, with both the AAP and Congress now vying for control.
The Ballimaran Assembly seat, which falls under the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, has been a stronghold for Muslim candidates, with its demographic predominantly Muslim. The AAP has once again given its ticket to Imran Hussain, a prominent Muslim face and incumbent minister, for the third time. On the other hand, the Congress has reposed its faith in veteran leader Haroon Yusuf, who has represented this constituency several times in the past, even serving as a cabinet minister in the Sheila Dikshit government.
The political history of the Ballimaran seat has been marked by dominance from Congress, with Haroon Yusuf emerging victorious in the first-ever election in 1993 and maintaining a stronghold until 2013. However, the rise of the AAP in 2015 marked a turning point, with Imran Hussain winning the seat with a considerable margin, securing 33,877 votes. His victory was repeated in the 2020 elections, where he secured 36,172 votes, underscoring the growing support for the AAP in the area.
For the BJP, the Ballimaran seat has remained elusive. Despite its repeated attempts, the BJP has never been able to clinch a win here. In the 2008 elections, BJP candidate Motilal Sodhi managed to put up a tough fight against Haroon Yusuf, but he ultimately lost by a margin of 6,277 votes, which remains the closest the BJP has come to victory in this constituency.
As the 2025 elections approach, the political landscape of Ballimaran has become more competitive. Congress’ return to the battlefield with its veteran candidate Haroon Yusuf is expected to challenge AAP’s dominance, especially as the seat remains crucial for both parties in the central Delhi region.
Imran Hussain’s candidacy from the Ballimaran seat is a reflection of his popularity among the Muslim voters, who constitute the majority in this constituency. Having served as a cabinet minister, Hussain has established himself as a prominent leader in the AAP government, gaining the trust of many for his work in the local area.
In an exclusive interview, Imran Hussain said, “I have worked tirelessly for the development of Ballimaran, focusing on issues that directly affect the residents. From securing better healthcare facilities to tackling the pressing problems of traffic and cleanliness, my efforts are aimed at making Ballimaran a better place for its residents. The people of this constituency have shown immense support for me, and I will continue to work for them with the same dedication.”
Haroon Yusuf, a seasoned politician who once dominated the Ballimaran seat, will be looking to reclaim his position in the 2025 elections. Yusuf’s association with Congress spans decades, and he has been a significant player in Delhi’s political scene. He served as a cabinet minister under the Sheila Dikshit government, a position that allowed him to shape policies for the betterment of Delhi’s residents.
Speaking to media recently, Haroon Yusuf said, “The AAP government has failed to address the basic issues that affect the residents of Ballimaran. The problems of encroachments, traffic congestion, and cleanliness remain unsolved. It is time for a change, and the Congress party is committed to providing the leadership needed to improve the conditions of this constituency.”
Yusuf’s candidacy, coupled with his long-standing political experience, presents a formidable challenge for Imran Hussain. The Congress leader has been vocal in his criticism of AAP’s governance, focusing on the party’s inability to solve the ongoing issues plaguing the constituency.
Ballimaran has long been a Muslim-majority constituency, and it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the upcoming elections. The Muslim voters, who form a significant portion of the electorate, are likely to be a deciding factor in the election. With both AAP and Congress fielding Muslim candidates, the dynamics of the election will revolve around which party can best address the concerns of the local population.
The major issues facing the residents of Ballimaran remain largely unchanged over the years. Security concerns, inadequate parking, encroachments on public land, traffic jams, and cleanliness continue to be persistent problems. While Imran Hussain has made progress in addressing these issues, there is a general sentiment among the residents that much more needs to be done.
In a candid conversation with a local resident, Ayesha Begum, a lifelong Ballimaran resident, expressed her concerns, saying, “The issues in our area have remained the same for many years. We are tired of hearing promises. What we need is action. We want a leader who will not just talk about change, but actually bring it. Imran Hussain has worked hard, but I feel Haroon Yusuf could bring a fresh perspective.”
Despite the intense competition between the AAP and Congress, the BJP’s presence in Ballimaran cannot be entirely ruled out. The BJP has failed to win the seat in the past, but its candidate in 2008 came close, showing that the party does have some influence in the region. However, with both AAP and Congress focused on securing the Muslim vote, the BJP’s chances appear slim this time around.
As the election draws nearer, the Ballimaran constituency is set to witness an intense political battle between AAP’s Imran Hussain and Congress’ Haroon Yusuf. Both candidates are well-established leaders with significant political experience, and their campaigns will focus on addressing the local issues that matter most to the residents.
The outcome of this election will not only shape the future of Ballimaran but also have a lasting impact on the political landscape of Delhi. Will AAP’s Imran Hussain retain control of the seat, or will Congress make a successful comeback with Haroon Yusuf at the helm? The answers to these questions will soon be revealed with the resuLts of the elections on February 8.
As one local resident, Ali Ahmed, aptly put it, “The time for promises is over. We want results. Let’s see who can deliver.”
With both AAP and Congress pulling out all the stops in their campaigns, the 2025 Delhi elections are shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in recent memory.