Delhi Elections 2025 | AIMIM Leader Defends Party's Choice For Riots Accused Candidate For Okhla

Delhi Elections: Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AIMIM has fielded Shifa Ur-Rehman, who is accused in the Delhi riots case, as its candidate from the Muslim-majority Okhla constituency. In an interview with NDTV's Ahtasham Khan, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel defended the decision, emphasizing that Shifa Ur-Rehman is only an accused, not a convicted individual. He reiterated the principle that, according to the law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. Jaleel stated that the party supports those who have been victimised or scapegoated and expressed faith in the judiciary, hoping for a favorable verdict. He clarified that AIMIM does not allocate tickets based on caste or religion, highlighting that the party also fields Hindu candidates. When questioned about the potential division of Muslim votes in the constituency, Jaleel argued that voters have already experienced the governance of parties like AAP and Congress. He believes it is now time for people to give AIMIM and the leadership of Asaduddin Owaisi a chance to demonstrate their capabilities.