Aryanagar has been regarded a Muslim seat, since for many years now most parties have been fielding Muslims from the constituency.
There is no other seat from where a Muslim can win, since Hindus may not vote for her.
Mulayam Singh is faced with the problem of fielding at least one Muslim from the city, which boasts a large Muslim population.
All sections of the UF have started opposing Ali's candidature on this ground. Others have said canvassing before any decision has been taken was nothing short of blackmail.
But Daulat Ram, CPM leader, said: we do not agree with the argument that this particular seat is a Hindu or a Muslim seat. The CPM has carefully chosen it, since this is the only seat where the BJP can be beaten. The BJP led the constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections by only 1,000 votes. In all the others the lead was at least of 10,000. Ali, till now regarded as a Lok Sabha candidate, has fought the seat thrice, winning only in 1989.
