BJP fields Muslim candidate in Karimnagar civic polls, a first in 50 years
HYDERABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded a Muslim candidate for the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for February 11. This marks the party’s first such move in the town in nearly five decades. It is also a rare attempt to enter a civic division dominated by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
Candidate From AIMIM Stronghold
The BJP has nominated Inayath Ali, a 50-year-old flower shop owner, from Ward 32. The ward is a Muslim-majority area and has long remained an AIMIM bastion. The move signals the saffron party’s effort to breach the AIMIM vote base and expand its social outreach.
The strategy comes under the leadership of Karimnagar MP and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
Demographics and Electoral History
Ward 32 has 5,030 voters. Nearly 98 per cent of them are Muslims, while a small section belongs to the Hindu community. AIMIM has controlled the ward for almost four decades. The BJP had never contested from this division earlier.
Sanjay’s Role in the Nomination
Ali said Sanjay personally encouraged him to contest the election. Sanjay, a former Telangana BJP president, is known for his strong Hindutva stance. This makes the nomination politically significant.
Campaign Challenges on the Ground
Ali continues to run his flower business while campaigning. He has conducted a modest campaign with support from 20 to 30 local youth volunteers. He admitted that many in his community viewed his decision with scepticism. However, he said his family supported him fully.
“Running as a BJP candidate in our area is no easy feat. Many friends questioned my decision,” Ali said. “I went ahead because Sanjay assured me that my ward would see development through central funds.”
Focus on Development and Welfare Schemes
Ali said several central government welfare schemes also benefit Muslims. He added that residents must be informed about these programmes. “The conditions in our area are dire, with terrible roads,” he said.
BJP’s Broader Political Message
Sanjay said the nomination reflected the party’s broader approach. “We are against the AIMIM, not against any religion or community,” he told reporters. “The BJP wants everyone in the country to progress.”
AIMIM’s Counter-Campaign
AIMIM has launched an aggressive counter-campaign in the ward. Senior leaders and campaigners from outside Telangana have joined the effort. Sahar Sheikh, a 22-year-old AIMIM corporator from Mumbai, also canvassed in the division. She recently drew attention for her ‘paint Mumbai green’ remarks.
Ali’s Political Journey
Apart from being a local trader, Ali serves as the Telangana president of Sufi Samvad. This is a BJP Minority Morcha initiative aimed at engaging with the Muslim community. His association with Sanjay dates back to Sanjay’s tenure as chairman of the Karimnagar Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.
“He always responded to my requests, whether for school admissions or hospital services,” Ali said. “When I explained the poor conditions in our ward, he told me people like me should take the initiative.”
Ali joined the BJP after Sanjay became the Karimnagar MP in 2019.
