Mon Feb 03 13:59:13 IST 2025: ## Jailed Activists’ Families Seek Redemption in Delhi Elections

**New Delhi, India** – The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on February 5th are taking on a deeply personal significance for the families of two jailed human rights activists, Shifa ur Rehman and Tahir Hussain. Both men, arrested in 2020 for their alleged involvement in protests against a controversial citizenship law, are contesting the elections as candidates for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Their campaigns represent a bid for justice and redemption after years of legal battles and accusations of terrorism.

Rehman’s wife, Nooreen Fatima, is leading the charge in Okhla constituency, tirelessly campaigning while juggling the demands of raising her children. She describes the past five years as a grueling ordeal marked by hardship, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the constant struggle to clear her husband’s name. Their campaign, echoing the sentiments of many in the community, highlights not just the injustices faced by the prisoners, but also the neglect of the constituency’s infrastructure.

Hussain’s son, Shadab, is also actively involved in his father’s campaign in Mustafabad, a constituency scarred by the violence of 2020. Despite the challenges, including limited parole for his father, Shadab emphasizes the importance of his father’s presence and the chance to address the long-standing issues of the constituency.

Both campaigns have drawn attention to the alleged failure of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to address the concerns of the Muslim community and the impact of the controversial citizenship law. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has directly criticized the AAP, accusing the party of abandoning its Muslim supporters. The BJP has also criticized Owaisi’s move, warning against the polarization of the elections.

The elections are closely contested, with analysts predicting a tight race between the BJP and AAP. The outcome in constituencies with significant Muslim populations, including Okhla and Mustafabad, could be decisive. For Fatima and Shadab, the elections are about more than just political power; they are about reclaiming their dignity and proving the innocence of their fathers. The results, to be announced on February 8th, will hold profound meaning for these families and the wider community.

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