Looking through a political lens, Rampur—once graced by leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Azam Khan—seems unexpectedly silent this election season. The political air is tinged with an unusual stillness. Some attribute this hush to the reflective quietude of Ramadan, others suspect it's a melancholic absence of Azam Khan. Though muted, the election campaign is gradually gaining momentum amidst this silence.
The Samajwadi Party has nominated Mohibullah Nadwi to stand from Rampur, while the BJP backs Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi once again, and the BSP has fielded Zeeshan Khan. Each election cycle previously grew animated with Azam Khan's presence, turning local contests into national conversations due to his sharp wit penetrating his political adversaries.
Mohibullah Nadwi wasn't Azam Khan's preferred SP candidate.
Locals are perplexed as to why Azam Khan hasn't fielded a candidate from Rampur. Is this a calculated political move or has Akhilesh Yadav outmaneuvered him in his stronghold? It seems Nadwi was chosen by another Muslim faction aligned with Akhilesh, much to Khan's discontent. Despite his significant role as the imam of a prestigious mosque in Delhi, Nadwi finds himself canvassing door-to-door this Ramadan, unable to draw recognition from the people more accustomed to Khan's familiar face.
[Read More: BJP Consolidates Grip on Rampur's Lok Sabha Seat]
With Khan's silence in the Sitapur jail, BJP's Lodhi—who used to be a close associate of Khan—and BSP's Zeeshan Khan, appeal to voters leveraging different strategies. Lodhi banks on Modi's perceived guarantees and social harmony, distancing from religious politics. The BSP candidate is capitalizing on the infighting between Azam Khan and Akhilesh Yadav, hoping for silent supporters to turn out in his favor.
[Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav and Azam Khan's Fight]
Azam has not declared support for the SP candidate yet.
As the Samajwadi Party's campaign falters without Khan's endorsement, there are concerns that his absence might spell difficulty for the party.
