The Samajwadi Party nominee emerges victorious with a significant margin, defeating BJP’s Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In a decisive electoral battle, Mohibullah Nadvi of the Samajwadi Party (SP) clinched victory in the Rampur Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh by defeating his nearest rival Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by an impressive margin of 87,434 votes.
Nadvi, a political novice, secured a total of 4,81,503 votes, while Lodhi garnered 3,94,069 votes. Zeeshan Khan of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was placed third with 79,692 votes.
Rampur has long been regarded as a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, with veteran leader Azam Khan traditionally representing the constituency. However, recent political shifts, including Azam Khan’s legal troubles, posed challenges to the SP’s dominance in the area. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Azam Khan secured victory against BJP candidate Jaya Prada Nahata. Yet, in the subsequent 2022 by-election, BJP’s Lodhi managed to break the SP stronghold, signalling a change in the political landscape.
With Azam Khan’s absence from the electoral fray due to legal issues, the SP fielded Nadvi as its candidate for the Rampur constituency. Nadvi, a resident of Rampur, brings with him a wealth of experience as the Imam of Parliament Street Mosque in New Delhi for approximately 15 years.
The Rampur constituency boasts a significant Muslim population of 9.22 lakh. Notably, about 2.19 lakh voters belong to the Turk community, to which Mohibullah Nadvi himself belongs. This demographic played a crucial role in shaping the electoral outcome, with Nadvi’s candidacy resonating strongly among the Turk community and the broader Muslim electorate.
The electoral contest in Rampur witnessed fierce competition among six main candidates, including BJP’s Lodhi, BSP’s Zeeshan Khan, and independents Arshad Warsi, Mahmood Pracha, and Shiv Prasad. Out of a total of 1,731,836 eligible voters in Rampur, a substantial 55.85 percent, accounting for 9,65,514 individuals, exercised their franchise.
Nadvi’s victory not only reaffirms the SP’s presence in Rampur but also underscores the significance of community support in shaping electoral outcomes. His win represents a triumph for the Turk community and the broader Muslim electorate, who rallied behind his candidacy in the absence of Azam Khan. Nadvi’s victory is seen as a resounding response to the BJP’s attempts to consolidate its position in the constituency.
Future Prospects and Challenges
As Mohibullah Nadvi prepares to assume office as the MP for Rampur, he faces the task of addressing the region’s pressing socio-economic issues and fostering communal harmony. His victory signals a renewed focus on development and inclusivity, as he strives to fulfill the aspirations of his constituents.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust and support of the people of Rampur,” Nadvi expressed in his post-victory statement. “I am committed to serving every individual in our constituency, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. Together, we will work towards a prosperous and harmonious Rampur.”
Mohibullah Nadvi’s victory reflects the changing political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh and highlights the resilience of grassroots democracy. His triumph serves as a testament to the power of community mobilisation and the enduring appeal of inclusive politics.
