Despite an unsuccessful bid in the 2014 elections under the Aam Aadmi Party banner, the Kanpur-based businessman remains undeterred, citing his unwavering commitment to serve the people as his driving force.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Imran Bin Zafar, a Kanpur-based businessman, has thrown his hat into the electoral ring once again, this time as the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) candidate for the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency. Despite an unsuccessful bid in the 2014 elections under the Aam Aadmi Party banner, Zafar remains undeterred, citing his unwavering commitment to serve the people as his driving force.
The electoral battleground in Kannauj is poised to be fiercely contested with Zafar facing Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and incumbent BJP parliamentarian Subrat Pathak. The BSP nominee is facing the tough task of competing with the presence of the state’s political heavyweights in the fray.
In a recent conversation with Clarion India, Zafar shed light on his background, motivations, and vision for the upcoming elections. Zafar has started various social service initiatives. He attributes his courage and determination to his belief in divine support and a steadfast commitment to truth.
Zafar’s entry into politics was spurred by a deep-seated desire to address the struggles faced by ordinary people, particularly in his native region. Observing the hardships endured by the common man, he felt compelled to represent their voices in parliament and champion their cause on a larger stage. He firmly believes in effecting change through parliamentary channels, viewing it as a more sustainable avenue than street protests.
The Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency comprises five assembly segments including Chhibramau, Tirwa, Kannauj, Bidhuna, and Rasulabad. Polling in the constituency is scheduled for May 13.
Kannauj grapples with pressing issues of underdevelopment and economic disparity. Despite being globally renowned for its perfume industry, unemployment and inflationary pressures loom large, particularly affecting farmers and labourers. Zafar highlights the need to revitalise the agricultural sector and promote employment opportunities to foster economic growth and improve living standards.
Addressing concerns regarding education, healthcare, and women’s safety, Zafar underscores the importance of ensuring access to quality education and healthcare services for all. He emphasises the paramount importance of women’s safety in light of rising crime rates and advocates for enhanced security measures to safeguard marginalised communities.
In urging voters to make informed decisions, Zafar stresses the need to evaluate candidates’ backgrounds and policies thoroughly. He believes that thoughtful exercise of one’s voting rights is crucial for the future development and progress of both the region and the nation.
Zafar’s candidacy under the BSP banner comes amidst recent developments in the political landscape, including the replacement of Akil Ahmed Patta as the BSP candidate for Kannauj. Speculation abounds regarding the reasons behind this change, with suggestions of Patta’s perceived ties to the Samajwadi Party and alleged inactivity.
As Imran Bin Zafar embarks on his electoral journey once again, he remains hopeful for the support of the electorate and steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of Kannauj. With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, all eyes are on the candidates as they vie for the opportunity to represent the aspirations and interests of the people on the national stage.
