In a tale of political intrigue, Rampur, renowned for its cultural tapestry and historical icons, braces itself for a riveting electoral clash, devoid of its traditional protagonists.
Notably absent from the political fray are the charismatic Azam Khan, and the storied Nawabs, marking an unprecedented departure from the region's political narrative.
Rampur lacks the election synergy it was associated with. The house of Azam Khan at Jail Road and Kothi Khas Bagh wore a deserted look. The present Nawab of Rampur Muhammad Kazim Ali Khan is also missing from the scene.
“With the absence of Nawab Kazim Ali and Azam Khan, the zing is missing,” said a trader in Abaas Market.
The electoral stage is now set for a face-off between Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, the revered imam of Delhi's Parliament Street Mosque, and Ghanshyam Lodhi, a seasoned campaigner representing the BJP.
Adding to the mix is the emergence of BSP's new entrant, Zeeshan Khan, signaling a shift in Rampur's political dynamics.
Prior to the declaration of candidates, speculation was rife regarding Azam Khan's preference for a contender from the Yadav family or even Akhilesh Yadav himself to contest from Rampur.
The latest twist in Rampur's political saga unfolded as Samajwadi Party's Maulana Nadvi swiftly filed his nomination papers, challenging the candidacy of Asim Raza, an aide of Azam Khan who earlier had filed the nomination on party ticket.
However, Raza's nomination was later rejected during scrutiny, paving the way for a showdown between Nadvi and Lodhi, a former associate of Azam Khan.
“There is a mystery as to why Akhilesh Yadav gave ticket to a rank outside Maulana and angered Azam Khan. When Akhilesh went to meet Azam Khan in jail we got an impression of unity among the two. But, what happened after that remains a mystery,” said Ashutosh Sharma, a SP leader.
The conspicuous absence of Azam Khan, known for his masterful oratory and witty anecdotes targeting the Nawabs, has left a palpable void in Rampur's political discourse. "We miss the electrifying speeches of Azam Khan, his jests about Nawabs and the commoners," said Zeeshan Ali, a local trader, highlighting the absence of the veteran leader's presence.
“In the absence of Azam Khan, his supporters are not supporting Samajwadi Party anymore,” Farroq Bhai, another trader said. “Shanti hai… it is all silent here”, he said.
With Azam Khan's absence, his erstwhile supporters find themselves at a crossroads, with divergent opinions emerging within the community.
Virendra Goyal, former District President of Azam's camp, unequivocally stated their allegiance to Azam Khan, pledging they will not support SP candidate instead support BSP candidate Zeeshan Khan.
Asim Raza, another loyalist of Azam Khan, maintained a stoic silence, reflecting the uncertainty among his supporters in the wake of recent developments.
"Rampur stands on the cusp of a transformative electoral verdict," said Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, highlighting the significance of the upcoming polls in shaping Rampur's political future.
The BJP, sensing an opportunity amid the shifting sands of Rampur's political landscape, is banking on its outreach to the marginalised Muslim community, resonating with the electorate's aspirations for development and inclusive governance.
Buoyed by recent electoral victories, Ghanshyam Lodhi, once a confidant of Azam Khan, reiterated the BJP's commitment to Rampur's progress, underscoring the party's growing influence in the region.
Local observers, cognizant of Rampur's penchant for political upheavals, anticipate a fiercely contested electoral battle, with implications transcending local boundaries. As alliances realign and political legacies intersect, Rampur stands on the cusp of a transformative electoral verdict, poised to redefine its political trajectory.
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