UP Congress has started preparation for the coming 2019 lok Sabha polls as during this Eid-ul-Fitr, their two leaders —- former MP and cricketer Azaharuddin and former cine star Nagma were in Moradabad and Meerut respectively to celebrate the festival with the people on Saturday.
While Azaharuddin, who was the elected to lok Sabha from Moradabad seat in 2009 turned up in city on Eid, after four years, on Friday evening with his son. In the morning both Azaharuddin and his son offered namaz at the local eidgah and met the people. local congress leaders say that Azaharuddin wants to contest from Moradabad seat in 2019 lok Sabha polls. In 2014 Azaharuddin, shifted his base to Rajasthan and contested from Madhopur lok Sabha seat but lost.
Azaharuddin talking to media after offering the namaz said that he was happy to meet his old friends who had worked for him in the 2009 lok Sabha polls. He also advocated for grand alliance of the opposition in the lok Sabha polls and claimed that the country needs such alliance to defeat BJP. Asked whether it would be a second inning for him in Moradabad, the cricketer turn politician said,” I think my first inning is still on. It is great to see people welcoming me in a grand way.”
On a question whether he would be contesting the Moradabad seat in 2019 on Congress ticket, Azaharuddin said it is up to the Congress high command to decide.” I am a dedicated party worker and will do what they order,” he said. On the other hand Congress leader Nagma also reached Meerut last evening and she offered namaz on Saturday morning.
later talking to media Nagma, who contested the Meerut lok Sabha seat on Congress ticket in 2014, criticised the BJP government for the alleged increase in incidents of atrocities against the dalits. ``The condition of dalits in the country particularly in western UP is pathetic and government atrocities against them has increased,” she said.