How Do Muslim Women View Upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections?

Timeline reached out to Muslim women in Okhla, Delhi, who are voting for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled to be held on February 5, 2025. From the Okhla constituency, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Amanatullah Khan, the Congress nominee is Ariba Khan, the BJP candidate is Manish Chaudhary and AIMIM has fielded Shifa-Ur-Rehman.

The story covers, what constituency’s Muslim women has to say about their preferred candidates, expectations from future candidates, disappointments over the existing MLA’s performance and about the factors affecting their selection of candidates.

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Qamar Jahan who lives in Okhla seemed quite confident about candidate choice and immediately mentioned that her vote will be for AAP candidate Amanatullah Khan who has been representing the constituency for the last 10 years. “Not every candidate can be good for everyone. It requires time to work on the ground. Out of 5 years, 2 and half years were spent in jail, then how can we expect the candidates to work on the pending tasks”, said Jahan. “Roads in Gaddha Colony, Shaheen Bagh, Abul Fazal, and other places in Okhla were built under Amanatullah Khan. Candidates need time to work”, she added.

While asking about other works of the AAP government, Jahan said that the government offices are working efficiently and no work is being getting stuck in offices and hospitals. “Schools are working efficiently. They are getting good education, food, and scholarships. Earlier, parents did not send their children to government schools since teachers were not taking classes properly but now they are sending their wards to government schools”, she said. When asked about corruption charges against AAP supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, Qamar laughingly said, “Proof to nahi mila na (there is no proof)”. Talking about the BJP’s victory in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, in Delhi, she said that contesting multiple Muslim candidates from the same constituency has influenced the votes distribution and negatively influenced the AAP performance.

While asking about the views on the February 5 elections and preferred candidate, a small stall owner Raeesa, born and brought up in Delhi, said, “My vote will go to Kejriwal because of free electricity, free bus service, improved conditions of government schools in Delhi and  healthcare facilities.” While asked about the AAP government’s ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ which promises to give Rs 2100 to every woman and comparing it with the Modi government’s ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojna’ promising Rs 2500 to poor women, she preferred to vote for Kejriwal despite the additional promises under BJP’s manifesto.

Read also: The Arvind Kejriwal Story: Do Or Die Battle For ‘Delhi’s Son’

Few women who did not seem happy with AAP’s work in the constituency seem to prefer Congress or AIMIM candidates. Nayla, another resident of Jamia Nagar said she had not decided about the candidate yet considered some factors while casting a vote. A responsible and honest candidate who understands the duty well and works towards the basic facilities including roads and traffic remains on the preference list, she said.

Shabana Zaidi,  an enthusiastically volunteer to give this interview said she prefers an educated candidate who understands the governance and system well and prioritise education in schools and colleges. ‘Earlier could we think of sending our children to government schools? But now we can. Amanat (Amanatullah Khan) is a member of Aam Aadmi Party, that’s why I vote for ‘Development'”, said Zaidi. While asked about the cash security promised by the Narendra Modi government to women, Ms. Zaidi said, “Modi ji to 15 lakhs bhi de rahe the (Modi ji was also giving 15 lakhs)”.

Ayesha who is also casting her vote on February 5, 2025, seems satisfied with the facilities under the AAP government including free transport services, education, health, and women’s security. When asked about considering any other candidates, she preferred Kejriwal. Seema from Batla House, while emphasizing the AAP government’s work in the area mentioned improved condition of roads, street lights, and especially education. “The main thing of Kejriwal is ‘education'”, she said. On BJP’s promises and manifesto, she dismissed them and said, “Modi ji jhuthe wade karte ha (Modi ji makes false promises). Kejriwal did what he promised.”

Another Okhla resident, Reshma, when she was asked whom she is going to vote for on February 5, replied, “Jhadu Pe” (“broom” – AAP electoral symbol). Roads, hospitals, and mobility were the factors influencing her candidate’s choice. On BJP’s manifesto and additional benefits promised by the Modi government, she said, “Baat to sahi hai magar yaha jo chal raha ha us hi ke sath jayenge (It’s right but we will go as per the majority choice)”.

Farha, a resident of Saket also preferred an AAP candidate due to its achievements especially in the education sector. She also finds the party as more secular and inclusive. “The increasing communal tension is worrisome and it requires secular parties which can think of development instead of Muslim-Hindu and Mandir-Masjid”, she said.  Adding further, Farha pointed, “We can not vote for BJP considering its divisive politics”. However, she shared her views on the Muslim vote division among AIMIM, Congress, and AAP candidates which may benefit BJP candidates in this election.

Reported and written by Uzma Parveen.