Delhi Polls 2025: Asaduddin Owaisi Claims AIMIM Okhla Candidate Shifa-Ur-Rehman Will 'Win Election From Jail'

Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), made a bold claim, stating that Shifa-Ur-Rehman, the party's candidate for the Okhla assembly constituency, has the potential to secure a win in the elections even from behind bars. He drew comparisons with prominent figures like Arvind Kejriwal and George Fernandez, who have faced legal challenges yet managed to emerge victorious in their political endeavors. Owaisi's assertion underscores his confidence in the democratic process and the resilience of his party's candidates, despite the legal hurdles they may face.

Owaisi's Rally for Shifa-Ur-Rehman

During a public rally in support of Shifa-Ur-Rehman, who is currently detained for his alleged role in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, Owaisi emphasized the possibility of winning elections from incarceration. He pointed out, "If Arvind Kejriwal can get bail in this country and contest elections after six months, then we will make Shifa win from inside the jail." This statement not only highlights Owaisi's determination to support his candidate but also criticizes the perceived inconsistencies in the legal system's treatment of political figures.

In his compelling speech, Owaisi also mentioned George Fernandez, who won an election while imprisoned in Bihar's Muzzafarpur jail due to the Baroda Dynamite case. This comparison further illustrates Owaisi's argument that being incarcerated does not preclude a candidate from participating in and winning elections. He passionately argued, "Shifa will also win the Okhla elections while being in jail and will become MLA... The process has been made as a punishment for him."

Criticism of Political Opponents

Owaisi did not hold back in his critique of rival political parties who have condemned AIMIM's decision to nominate individuals like Shifa Ur Rehman and Tahir Hussain, both implicated in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. He challenged their moral standing, pointing out the hypocrisy in their criticism given the number of sitting Members of Parliament with serious criminal charges against them. Owaisi highlighted, "In India's Parliament, out of the total won candidates, 250 such MPs have serious cases registered against them." This statement sheds light on the broader issue of criminality in Indian politics and questions the grounds on which political candidates are judged.

Moreover, Owaisi's rebuke extended to the critics within the political landscape, urging them to reflect on their own shortcomings before casting aspersions on his party's candidates. He pointed out the stark contradiction in the treatment of politicians with criminal charges, questioning why some receive bail while others like Shifa and Tahir remain incarcerated. His rhetorical question, "Why Shifa is in jail and why Kejriwal is not in jail?" calls for a deeper examination of the justice system's impartiality and fairness.

Upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections

The spotlight on Shifa-Ur-Rehman and Tahir Hussain comes at a crucial time, as Delhi prepares for its assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with the vote counting to follow on February 8. AIMIM's decision to field candidates with pending legal issues underscores the party's strategy of challenging conventional norms and advocating for what they perceive as justice and fairness in the political arena. This bold move by Owaisi and AIMIM reflects a broader trend of political defiance and resilience, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle.