AIMIM takes a stand for the Delhi riot accused, claiming political bias and injustice against Muslims
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The political landscape of Delhi has been shaken by the recent developments surrounding Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) entering the fray. AIMIM, led by the prominent Muslim leader from Hyderabad, has begun to target Muslim voters in Delhi, shaking up the dynamics between major political parties. This has intensified with the party’s active involvement in the case of Shahrukh Pathan, one of the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots.
Owaisi, who began his political career in Hyderabad over two decades ago, has steadily built a strong presence, positioning himself as a key player in Muslim politics across the nation. The entry of AIMIM in Delhi comes at a time when Muslim voters, particularly in areas affected by the Delhi riots, could hold significant sway in the city’s elections.
Shoaib Jami, AIMIM’s Delhi president, recently met the family of Shahrukh Pathan, a man accused of participating in the violent clashes that erupted in the city during the anti-CAA protests of 2020. Pathan was allegedly seen in CCTV footage pointing a gun at a police constable, contributing to the chaos that marred the city during the riots. Following the meeting, Jami took to social media, shedding light on the injustices faced by Muslim families whose children have been imprisoned without a fair trial.
Jami expressed his concerns over what he described as systemic injustice against Muslims, particularly in the wake of the riots. He wrote, “This small step in our campaign for justice will give courage to many families whose children have been rotting in jail for years without a hearing. The AIMIM delegation met with Shahrukh Pathan’s family to discuss their legal options and provide moral support during these trying times.”
The Delhi riot accused’s mother, in her interaction with the AIMIM leadership, reportedly claimed that her son’s arrest was politically motivated and orchestrated by Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Jami quoted her as saying, “The case against my son was registered at the behest of Arvind Kejriwal. I will never forget it.”
Pathan’s case has drawn attention not only due to the nature of the charges — ranging from rioting and unlawful assembly to attempted murder — but also because of the way the Delhi government has handled the situation. Jami contended that the government had failed to ensure a fair legal process for Pathan and many others similarly detained. “According to the Supreme Court, bail is the right of the accused whose cases are pending,” he added, questioning the prolonged detention of Pathan and others like him.
Owaisi’s decision to take an active interest in Delhi’s political scene has raised alarms among existing political players. Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have expressed concerns over AIMIM’s growing influence in the capital. There is a growing sentiment among certain circles that Owaisi’s involvement could split the Muslim vote, potentially benefiting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and undermining the prospects of AAP and Congress in the upcoming elections.
Owaisi’s strategic expansion into Delhi comes after significant successes in other states. His party has gained a foothold in Maharashtra, Bihar, and several other regions, making substantial inroads in areas with large Muslim populations. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, AIMIM stunned many by securing five seats, further establishing its growing political clout.
With Delhi’s political dynamics heavily influenced by the Muslim vote, Owaisi’s entry could prove disruptive. “The secular parties are already calling me the B team of the BJP because they fear the shift in Muslim support towards AIMIM,” Owaisi stated, responding to the criticism. His remarks suggest that the fear of losing Muslim voters to AIMIM has intensified the political tug-of-war in Delhi.
The Delhi riots of 2020, which were triggered by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), remain a sensitive issue for the political discourse in the city. Many Muslims have accused Delhi Police of acting in a biased manner during the unrest, with allegations that the police disproportionately targeted Muslim youth involved in the protests. The case of Shahrukh Pathan has become a symbol of this alleged bias, and AIMIM has taken up the cause of his legal defence as part of its broader agenda to advocate for justice for Muslims in the city.
Pathan’s lawyer has argued that he has already spent four years in jail, and his continued detention without trial is a violation of his rights. On October 22, 2024, the Delhi High Court rejected Pathan’s bail plea, citing the seriousness of the charges against him. The case has now gained a broader political dimension, with AIMIM positioning itself as the champion of those who feel wronged by the justice system, particularly Muslim families.
AIMIM’s legal activism in the case has drawn support from various quarters of the Muslim community. Many feel that the arrest and trial of young Muslim men during the Delhi riots were politically motivated. The message from AIMIM is clear: the party will continue to stand by those it believes are victims of systemic injustice.
In the wake of AIMIM’s growing influence in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal and his party have been put on the defensive. The AAP has denied any political motive behind the arrest of Shahrukh Pathan and other riot accused, insisting that the actions taken were in accordance with the law. However, critics argue that Kejriwal’s failure to take a more active stance on the concerns of Muslim families has led to a widening divide between the AAP and the Muslim community.
Kejriwal’s handling of the Delhi riots and the subsequent investigations has been called into question by various political analysts, especially as the Delhi Assembly elections approach. Some fear that the entry of AIMIM could lead to a split in the Muslim vote, which would directly benefit the BJP, thereby undermining the secular vote base in the city.
Owaisi’s political manoeuvres, particularly his appeals for justice for riot-accused Muslims, have thrust the issue of Muslim rights into the heart of Delhi’s political battle. His remarks suggest that AIMIM’s push for justice is not just about individual cases like that of Shahrukh Pathan but about addressing the broader grievances of Muslims who feel neglected by the major political parties.
As Owaisi looks to expand his party’s footprint in Delhi, the coming months will likely witness a fierce battle between AIMIM and the city’s entrenched political forces. The success or failure of AIMIM’s Delhi campaign could have far-reaching implications for Muslim politics in India.
Owaisi’s growing presence in the national political scene and his ability to galvanise the Muslim vote are likely to disrupt the established political order. Whether or not AIMIM can sustain its momentum in Delhi, however, will depend on its ability to convince the electorate that it is capable of addressing their concerns — be it legal injustices or political representation.
With the Delhi elections looming, Owaisi’s message is clear: AIMIM will be a force to reckon with in the city’s political future. As the political turmoil intensifies, it remains to be seen how much impact AIMIM can have on the course of Delhi’s politics, particularly in its ability to draw support from the city’s Muslim voters.
