As Delhi votes today for the assembly elections, few candidates—Shifa Ur Rehman, Tahir Hussain and Manish Sisodia are fighting a different battle. Contesting the polls from behind bars. In a state where political scandals are not uncommon, these two undertrial prisoners have turned their incarceration into an election talking point.
The unlikely candidates: Shifa Ur Rehman, Tahir Hussain
Shifa Ur Rehman, a well-known human rights activist and former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association, has been fielded by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to contest from Okhla constituency. His nomination has sparked political discussions since he is still facing trial in the 2020 Delhi violence case. Arrested on April 26, 2020, Rehman has consistently maintained his innocence, framing his legal battle as a fight for minority rights and social justice.
Meanwhile, Tahir Hussain, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, now finds himself contesting from Mustafabad under the AIMIM banner. Once a trusted lieutenant of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Hussain’s political career took a dramatic turn when he was arrested in connection with the 2020 riots. Now, from the confines of his prison cell, he is trying to script a political comeback that many would have deemed impossible.
Both candidates have been granted parole to campaign for their respective seats, a decision that has drawn both praise and criticism. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been at the forefront of their campaign, rallying support in Muslim-dominated constituencies and framing their candidacies as a fight against alleged injustices.
As February 8 approaches, all eyes will be on Delhi Assembly Election results. Will voters see Rehman and Hussain as victims of political vendettas or as figures unworthy of their trust? The verdict, much like their fate, rests in the hands of the people.