AIMIM's 'Shehzada' versus BJP's Shehzadi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pitted newcomer Shehzadi as its candidate from the Chandrayangutta constituency against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi's younger brother Akbaruddin Owaisi, in the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections.

Akbaruddin Owaisi is AIMIM's star campaigner and a popular leader among Hyderabad's Muslim community. Known for his controversial comments, Akbaruddin Owaisi was arrested for an alleged hate speech in 2013.

On contrary, Shehzadi is just a month old in state politics. However, she appears undaunted by Akbaruddin's popularity and claims that the Muslims in the region are against him.

"My strategy for the elections is educational growth and national unity. Ever since Independence, no development work has taken place for the Muslim community in Hyderabad. No proper education system is there. 80 per cent of the people here used to ride Rikshaw before Independence and they are doing the same today also. To bring the change, I have joined BJP... Few people think that the BJP is against Muslims, but BJP has proved that they are not against Muslims," Shehzadi told ANI.

 

"Everything can be changed only through proper education. I have done double post-graduation. One month back, I entered politics. Since I am a student leader, I do not have any money with me," she added.

Shehzadi comes from a middle-class family. "I joined ABVP in 10th standard. We used to resolve different problems of the students community through a students' organisation," she said.

Shehzadi is aware of the challenge ahead as contest against Akbaruddin Owaisi is going to be a difficult one. However, Shehzadi is hopeful of receiving support from the Muslims.

"Many people believe that it is difficult to beat Akbaruddin Owaisi. The Muslim society in Chandrayangutta is against the AIMIM party since there has been no development in the area," she said.

"It's not like that Muslims will not support the BJP. If that was the case, then the BJP could not have formed the government in Uttar Pradesh. BJP won't treat Hindus and Muslims differently. Many people have tried for the ticket for Chandrayangutta constituency, but the BJP has given importance to Muslims and they have given me a chance to prove myself," said Shehzadi while keeping her fingers crossed for the upcoming Assembly elections.