The London-educated represents a new generation of leaders who are ready to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic solutions to the table.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Iqra Hasan Choudhary, a 27-year-old postgraduate in International Law from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, has made history as one of the youngest candidates in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Contesting from her family’s traditional stronghold in the Kairana constituency of western Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli District on the Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket, she has given a tough challenge to the sitting BJP MP Pradeep Choudhary.
In a landmark victory, Iqra defeated her nearest rival by a substantial margin of 69,116 votes. She secured 528,013 votes as against 458,897 votes for Pradeep Choudhary, while Sripal of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) received a mere 76,200 votes. Zahid of the Socialist Democratic Party of India managed only 3,320 votes.
Kairana, a constituency politically dominated by two Gurjar families, one Hindu and one Muslim, has seen a significant political shift with Iqra’s victory. She is the daughter of the late Munawwar Hasan, a two-time MP and two-time MLA, who was a revered figure in the region.
The Journey to Politics
Iqra’s entry into politics was propelled by unexpected circumstances. Her mother, Tabassum Hasan, a former MP from Kairana, and her brother, Nahid, a three-time MLA from the region, had to go into hiding after the Uttar Pradesh police charged Nahid with traffic violations and misbehaviour with government officials. This left a political vacuum that Iqra Hasan was compelled to fill.
In a short span, Iqra has displayed remarkable political acumen and humility, earning praise across party lines. Her secular outlook and deep understanding of local customs, coupled with her constant presence among the people, have set her apart in a constituency where the BJP had been attempting to regain influence, partly based on claims of an exodus of Hindu families.
Remarkable Victory
Iqra Choudhary’s victory is not just a political win but also a testament to her ability to connect with the electorate on a personal level. Local political observers note that her secular approach and deep roots in the community have given her an edge over her opponents.
“Iqra’s grasp of local issues and her ability to remain grounded have been crucial to her success,” said local political analyst Ravi Sharma. “Her campaign focused on unity and development, which resonated well with the voters.”
Iqra herself has expressed gratitude and humility after her victory. “I am deeply honoured by the trust the people of Kairana have placed in me,” she said in her victory speech. “This win is not just mine; it belongs to every individual who believes in the vision of a united and progressive Kairana.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the celebratory mood, Iqra is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The region has its share of socio-economic issues that need urgent attention. From improving infrastructure to addressing communal tensions, the new MP has her work cut out for her.
“My primary focus will be on development and ensuring communal harmony in the region,” Iqra emphasised. “We need to work together to build a future that is inclusive and prosperous for all.”
Her victory is also a message to young women across the country about the power of resilience and the importance of stepping up in times of need. As one of the youngest MPs, Iqra Hasan Choudhary represents a new generation of leaders who are ready to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic solutions to the table.
Community Support and Reaction
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many see Iqra’s victory as a new dawn for Kairana. “Iqra’s win is a win for the entire community,” said Anil Gupta, a local. “We believe she will bring much-needed change and development to our area.”
