AIMIM president accuses Delhi government of injustice, rallies support for candidates Shifa-ur Rahman and Tahir Hussain
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In the run-up to the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, political campaigning in the city has reached a feverish pitch. The All India Majlis-e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has intensified its campaign, particularly in the Okhla and Mustafabad constituencies where the party has fielded two candidates accused of inciting the 2020 Delhi riots. As part of his efforts, Owaisi took to the streets in Okhla on Wednesday, leading a padyatra that saw thousands of supporters joining in a show of strength.
Starting from Shaheen Bagh’s 40 Foota Road, the padyatra, which included loud chants of “Asaduddin Owaisi Zindabad” and “Shifa-ur Rahman Zindabad,” quickly gathered momentum. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as Owaisi made his way through narrow streets, meeting with locals and highlighting issues they face. Supporters packed the streets, waving flags and expressing their support for the AIMIM candidates.
During a public meeting in Okhla, Owaisi did not hold back in his criticism of Aam Aadmi Party supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused Kejriwal of ignoring the plight of residents in Okhla and Mustafabad, both of which he claimed have not seen significant development under the current government. “If you want to see the real face of the Aam Aadmi Party, just visit Okhla. You will hear the cry for water, for basic needs, yet they claim to offer everything for free,” said Owaisi, adding that Kejriwal was merely using the Muslim votes for his own political gain. “Kejriwal only wants votes from Muslims, but what has he done for them?” Owaisi asked.
The AIMIM leader further criticised the Delhi government’s handling of law and order, particularly around the issue of bail to activists. Owaisi questioned the swift release of political leaders such as Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia on bail, while his own party candidates, Shifa-ur Rahman and Tahir Hussain, remained in jail. They have been in custody for over five years.
“Why is it that people like Shifa and Tahir remain in jail, while others with far more serious allegations walk free? If Kejriwal and Manish can get bail, why can’t my candidates get justice?” Owaisi asserted.
Addressing the controversy over the candidacies of Rahman and Tahir Hussain, who have both been accused of involvement in the Delhi riots, Owaisi strongly defended them. “The allegations against Shifa and Tahir are baseless,” he said. “They have been languishing in jail for five years without trial. They have the right to contest elections just like anyone else.”
Owaisi’s statements came amidst a campaign rally where he also targeted BJP leader Baba Ram Rahim, who had been granted parole despite his convictions. “Ram Rahim, a convicted criminal, gets parole, but my candidate doesn’t even get bail. This is the kind of injustice we are fighting against,” Owaisi said.
AIMIM’s decision to field candidates like Rahman from Okhla and Hussain from Mustafabad has drawn significant attention, both positive and negative. Owaisi, however, maintains that these candidates represent the fight against injustice. He urged voters to support Rahman and Hussain, highlighting their commitment to their communities and their long struggle for justice.
“Shifa and Tahir are not criminals. They are victims of a biased system. We will not let this injustice continue,” Owaisi told the crowd. He further questioned why the media and political leaders were silent on the treatment of these individuals, contrasting their cases with the leniency shown towards other political figures with criminal backgrounds.
Owaisi also took the opportunity to attack the BJP and Kejriwal over their handling of issues related to water supply, infrastructure, and public welfare in the city. “Kejriwal and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi are two sides of the same coin. They are both from RSS. Modi is from one branch, Kejriwal from another. Together, they have done nothing for the people of Delhi,” Owaisi claimed, drawing a sharp divide between his party and the ruling establishment.
As Owaisi’s padyatra came to an end, he made a direct appeal to the people of Okhla and Mustafabad, urging them to vote for AIMIM candidates. “It is your responsibility to free those who are suffering. Voting for Shifa-ur Rahman and Tahir Hussain is a vote for justice,” Owaisi said.
Owaisi also promised to continue his fight for the rights of Muslims in the city, emphasising that his party would not back down in the face of adversity. “We will teach a lesson to those who do injustice. We will make sure that the voices of the oppressed are heard,” he concluded.
As the campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections intensifies, all eyes are on the Okhla and Mustafabad constituencies, where AIMIM is making a strong push. With the support of party leaders Imtiaz Jaleel and Shoaib Jamai, and a robust campaign led by Naureen, Shifa’s wife, AIMIM is determined to make a significant impact in the upcoming polls.
With voting scheduled for February 5, the battle for Delhi’s 70 assembly seats is expected to be fiercely contested. While AIMIM’s campaign focuses on justice, fairness, and the rights of Muslims, it remains to be seen how the electorate will respond to Owaisi’s calls for change. As he put it, “When you go to vote, remember: support the oppressed, and together, we will create a new future for Delhi.”
