AIMIM Leader Shoaib Jamai Meets Family of Delhi Riots Accused Shahrukh Pathan, Fueling Political Debate
New Delhi – A recent meeting between AIMIM Delhi Chief Dr Shoaib Jamai and the family of Shahrukh Pathan, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, has sparked significant controversy in the capital’s political circles. Pathan, who became infamous for a viral video showing him brandishing a gun at a policeman during the riots, is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail. The meeting has ignited political speculation about the possibility of Pathan being fielded as a candidate by the AIMIM in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
The Meeting with Pathan’s Family
Dr Shoaib Jamai, who has been a prominent figure in AIMIM’s Delhi chapter, visited the family of Shahrukh Pathan at their home, where he met with Pathan’s mother. Following the visit, Jamai posted about the meeting on social media, expressing his support for the families of prisoners who, according to him, have been “languishing in jail without trial.” His post garnered attention, with Jamai asserting that the visit was part of a larger campaign for justice in Delhi.
“Recently, I met Shahrukh Pathan’s mother at his home, who is in jail. This small step of ours in the campaign for justice in Delhi will give courage to many families whose children are languishing in jail for years without trial,” Jamai wrote on social media.
His comments further stirred debate, especially his remarks on the Supreme Court’s stance on bail and his claim that Pathan’s mother believed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal played a role in the case being filed against her son. Jamai also alluded to the political motives behind Pathan’s arrest, which have been widely debated since the violence erupted in North East Delhi in early 2020.
Pathan’s Role in the Delhi Riots
Shahrukh Pathan is facing serious charges related to the Delhi riots, including pointing a gun at Head Constable Deepak Dahiya and allegedly being involved in a plot to murder Rohit Shukla. The Delhi High Court recently refused to grant bail to Pathan in the riots case, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing investigation. His image, captured in the viral video, quickly made him one of the most identifiable figures of the riots, which resulted in violence that left more than 50 people dead and hundreds injured.
Despite the legal proceedings, the visit by Dr Shoaib Jamai has prompted speculation about AIMIM’s potential political moves. Critics fear that AIMIM, known for its support among Muslim communities, may consider fielding Pathan as a candidate in Seelampur, a constituency with a significant Muslim population.
Political Ramifications and Speculation
While Dr Shoaib Jamai did not directly confirm or deny the possibility of Pathan’s candidacy, his response raised eyebrows. Jamai acknowledged the rumors but emphasized that any decision on fielding a candidate for Seelampur would be taken by the AIMIM leadership. “Anything can happen in politics,” Jamai remarked, highlighting that Seelampur deserved a good candidate, given its diverse electorate.
The Seelampur seat has emerged as a battleground ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. It has historically been a Congress stronghold but has been held by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the past two terms. The AIMIM has been actively trying to make inroads into Delhi’s politics, particularly in constituencies with large minority populations like Seelampur. This has made the speculation around Pathan’s potential candidacy all the more controversial.
BJP’s Criticism and Reactions from Political Rivals
The meeting between Jamai and Pathan’s family has attracted strong criticism, particularly from the BJP. Vijender Gupta, a senior BJP leader, accused AIMIM of trying to create unrest in the city. “Their only motive is to disrupt the peace and divide the people of Delhi,” Gupta said, condemning the visit as a politically motivated move.
Gupta’s remarks reflect broader concerns within the Delhi political landscape about the role of religion in elections. The BJP and other political rivals have raised concerns that AIMIM’s actions, particularly its support for individuals linked to the Delhi riots, could inflame tensions between communities, which are already sensitive after the riots of 2020.
Political Landscape in Seelampur
The Seelampur constituency has become a key focal point for political parties as Delhi prepares for its next round of assembly elections. AAP has already named Chaudhary Zubair Ahmed as its candidate, while Congress has fielded Abdul Rehman. The BJP, however, has yet to announce its candidate, making the race in Seelampur even more unpredictable.
If AIMIM were to field Shahrukh Pathan as a candidate, it could drastically alter the dynamics of the race, particularly among voters sympathetic to the minority community. However, given the controversial nature of Pathan’s involvement in the Delhi riots, such a move could also alienate other sections of the electorate, especially those still affected by the violence.
A Complex Political Future
The controversy surrounding the AIMIM’s potential nomination of Shahrukh Pathan reflects the increasingly polarized political environment in Delhi. As the city approaches another round of elections, issues of religious identity and communal harmony are likely to dominate the discourse.
While AIMIM’s move has sparked interest, much will depend on the decisions made by the party leadership and the broader response of the electorate in Seelampur and beyond. The coming months will determine whether the meeting with Pathan’s family is a harbinger of political shifts or simply a reflection of the ever-changing nature of Delhi’s electoral politics.