Asaduddin Owaisi in Okhla, highlights local issues, praises Shaheen Bagh women. Read the full report here:
After holding a roadshow from Zakir Nagar to Khalilullah Mosque on Thursday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi visited Shaheen Bagh to address residents who turned up in large numbers to support Shifaur Rehman, the party’s candidate from Okhla.
This marked Asaduddin Owaisi’s second visit to Okhla in two years. In a freewheeling 30-minute speech, he highlighted issues of injustice, lack of development, and the need for independent political leadership. He made an impassioned appeal for unity, justice, and change, urging Okhla residents to vote for the AIMIM candidate on February 5.
The results of the Delhi Assembly elections will be declared on February 8.
Shifaur Rehman, currently in jail in connection with the Delhi riots case, is contesting against formidable Okhla AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, who is seeking a third term. Other prominent candidates in the fray include Congress’s Ariba Khan, the Shaheen Bagh ward Councillor, and BJP’s Manish Chaudhry, whose wife is a three-time Councillor from Sarita Vihar ward in Okhla.
Owaisi criticises AAP’s governance and Kejriwal’s inaction in Okhla
While addressing the packed audience, Asaduddin Owaisi said: “Stop trying to scare people. Aam Aadmi Party leaders keep saying the BJP will win. I know fear has grown in your hearts. You are witnessing your failures turning into reality. Voters of Okhla, I declare here and now, only our candidate (Shifaur Rehman) will win. The people promoting such narratives and those from the AAP claim that votes won’t be divided. Since 1994 until 2019, Okhla has consistently elected an MLA from the minority community. Now, why has the BJP suddenly come to your minds?”
AIMIM’s prominent leaders, including Imtyaz Jaleel, Delhi president Shoaib Jamaee, and other office bearers, were present on stage, alongside Shifaur Rehman’s wife, Noorine Fatima. In her husband’s absence, Noorine is spearheading the campaign.
“People are saying, and I have seen it myself, that even five years ago, I stood among you, and today I am here again. In Okhla, there is no visible development or progress,” said Owaisi.
“Kejriwal, I challenge you: Come and stand on this road tomorrow at 9 am and talk. I also want to hear the voice of the water delivery boys who supply water because there is no regular water supply here. Residents buy water for ₹25 per container. The price increases as you go higher up in buildings — ₹25 on the first floor, and more as you go up,” he added.
“Kejriwal couldn’t even bring water to Okhla, and he has created a mountain of garbage here. Come to Okhla, and we’ll show you Mount Everest made of trash,” Owaisi remarked.
He continued: “Why is there no development in an area where land costs over ₹3 lakhs per square yard and flats are priced at over ₹60 lakhs? You’ve been the Chief Minister for 10 years, yet there is no progress here. Kejriwal, come to Okhla and walk around — you won’t last 10 minutes. Today, flowers were showered on me, but if you come, slippers will be thrown at you.”
“For the past decade, Kejriwal’s government has been in power, yet no Waqf board has been established. Why?” he asked.
Owaisi praised the women of Shaheen Bagh for becoming a beacon of hope for the nation by initiating the anti-CAA protests, which spread across India. “The Shaheen Bagh protest inspired the nation, but Kejriwal dismissed it as BJP-sponsored. Today, the people of Okhla have the chance to respond through their votes,” he said.
Key points
1. Asaduddin Owaisi’s campaign in Okhla: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi held a roadshow and addressed a large crowd in Shaheen Bagh, rallying support for Shifaur Rehman, the party’s candidate from Okhla, currently in jail over the Delhi riots case.
2. Criticism of development and governance: Owaisi criticised the lack of development in Okhla under Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s 10-year tenure, highlighting issues like inadequate water supply, poor infrastructure, and mounting garbage problems.
3. Challenge to political opponents: Owaisi challenged Kejriwal to visit Okhla to witness its issues firsthand and accused AAP of using fear tactics, such as suggesting a BJP victory, to manipulate voters.
4. Defense against vote division allegations: Addressing claims that AIMIM fields candidates in Muslim-majority areas to split votes, Owaisi defended the party’s decision to field Shifaur Rehman and questioned why other leaders with criminal cases are not similarly criticised.
5. Praise for Shaheen Bagh women: Owaisi commended the women of Shaheen Bagh for leading the anti-CAA protests and called on Okhla voters to respond to Kejriwal’s dismissal of the movement as BJP-sponsored through their votes.
Owaisi defends AIMIM’s candidacy amid allegations of vote division
Responding to allegations that AIMIM fields candidates in Muslim-majority areas to divide votes and benefit the BJP, he said: “To those making such claims, let me ask: In the Indian Parliament, around 250 MPs have serious criminal cases against them. If someone falsely accused is jailed for five years and people question why they are contesting elections, I say to these critics: You should feel ashamed. Majlis has done nothing wrong by fielding these candidates. Instead, it has commendably given a voice to the voiceless. Why is Shifaur Rehman still in jail while others, like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, are out on bail? If Kejriwal can contest and win elections after being jailed for six months, then the people of Okhla can ensure Shifa wins from jail too.”
AIMIM leader calls for unity, justice, and change in Okhla
Asaduddin Owaisi concluded with a call to action: “On the 5th of this month, let’s make history. If Kejriwal can get bail and contest elections, we will ensure Shifa’s victory, even if he is in jail.”
Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal are like two sides of the same coin and there is no difference between them, he said.
