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New Delhi, October 14 (IANS) Congress leader Udit Raj has come out in support of jailed activist Sharjeel Imam, who had sought interim bail to contest the Bihar Assembly elections. Udit Raj said that contesting elections despite criminal charges is not without precedent in Bihar politics.
Imam, who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in a 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, has approached a court seeking permission to campaign and file his nomination from Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district.
Supporting Imam’s decision, Udit Raj said, “Many criminals have contested elections in Bihar. There are charges, sedition charges, all kinds of cases against him. He can also contest elections. There is nothing new in this,” Raj said.
Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Sharjeel Imam has been charged with sedition and sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He has been in custody for more than three years. Despite this, his legal counsel has filed a petition for interim bail citing his constitutional right to contest elections.
Meanwhile, AIMIM’s decision to contest the elections independently after failing to form a third front alliance has further complicated the electoral scenario in Bihar. Udit Raj also commented on the role of AIMIM, saying, “Wherever elections are held, this party comes, gives religious speeches and polarization happens. It benefits the BJP.”
AIMIM has expressed its intention to contest about 100 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, indicating a more aggressive electoral pressure.
Highlighting the growing discontent within Bihar’s Muslim community, Bihar AIMIM president Akhtarul Iman said, “RJD works as the B-team of BJP in Bihar. We approached RJD seeking an alliance to represent Bihar’s 18 per cent Muslim population and requested just six seats, but they refused. There is anger in the community, and the grand alliance may have to face consequences in the elections.”
Voting will be held in Bihar on 6 and 11 November and the results will be declared on 14 November.
–IANS
RS/SKP