The inclusion of Bahujan Samaj Party rebel, Haji Tasleem in the Congress poll list for the crucial laksar seat in Haridwar district is no surprise for the observers. Congress bent on rallying 26 per cent Muslim and 20 per cent Dalit vote behind it has gambled on Tasleem to help the party sail through, say the observers. His sway over the minority and the Dalit votes was undisputed, leading to his two consecutive victories from laldhang seat in 2002 and 2007 on BSP ticket. However, he tasted defeat in 2012 election from newly formed laksar seat after laldhang seat was dissolved to make way for laksar. But the Congress’s poll strategists have reposed faith in him as far as the Dalit-Muslim vote bank is concerned. “Doubtless, Haji Tasleem is the best bet for Congress, given the ascendancy of BSP and BJP,” opines an observer.