This is for the first time in the history of Bhopal North Assembly constituency that a tough competition is being witnessed between Congress and BJP nominees.
Congress candidate Arif Aqeel has represented this constituency for past five terms. Since 1998, Bhopal North is considered as strong bastion of Aqeel or Congress.
The BJP has fielded Fatima Siddiqui, daughter of senior Congress leader and former minister Rasool Ahmed Siddiqui. The candidature of Fatima was declared at the eleventh hour, soon after she was inducted in the BJP.
The gathering of Muslim women during the campaigning trail of Fatima is being witnessed. In the procession on Monday taken out by her in the old city markets also attracted a number of Muslim folks.
Aqeel is facing the toughest time in this election. He first won from this constituency as an independent candidate in 1990. He was defeated in 1992. Later, he joined Congress and since then remained unbeatable since 1993.
Ironically, Rasool Ahmad Siddiqui’s wife had sought ticket from the Congress from Bhopal North but was denied and the ticket was given to Arif Aqueel once again.
This was probably the main reason behind Fatima joining the BJP and contesting the election.
Fatima is the lone Muslim candidate of BJP in the 230-member list for the ensuing election. The saffron party not only gave ticket to Fatima, but also working for her victory. Bhopal Mayor Alok Sharma has been given responsibility to work for her in the Bhopal North constituency.