Eligible Muslims have elected their General Khalifa in Md Shaharyar Ali, 32, for the coming Muharram who will head the Muharram Inteezamiya Committee (MIC) which the civil and police administration recognise and value much.
The election was done by vote at the local Karbala ground on Sunday in which Ali polled 606 votes while his nearest rival and outgoing General Khalifa Zishan Khan got 495 votes said Pappu Azhar.
Pappu Azhar said the election process began at 3 pm on Sunday which went on till 6 in evening ending with the declaration of Md Shaharyar Ali as the new General Khalifa of the Muharram Inteezamiya committee.
Ali said that he and his team would ensure the Muharram passes off peacefully. He has sought co operation from all sections of the people.
He further said there is a prescribed mode for observance of the Muharram as set by the administration which he said, has to be followed for peace and harmony.
However the outgoing General Khalifa Zishan Khan has alleged rigging to the voting. He said gross irregularities were committed. The voting was unfair and unjust alleged Zishan, more known by his first name.
"There was a panel of 6 Muslims to oversee the election but one of the 6 members of this panel indulged in favouritism and remained blind to the unfair conduct of the voting." alleged Zishan.
He said there came a group of 15 Muslims who began to dominate and influence the voting and the panel of 6 just didn't do anything to stop them from doing any electoral malpractice.
Zishan said he was prevented by people there when he tried to point out the irregularities and was asked to keep aside reminding him that as he was a candidate, he should not be so intrusive into the business of the poll.
Sources said the victory of Md Shaharyar Ali was predicted here days ahead of the election as a new face and a new voice of the Muharram Inteezamiya committee, people wanted to see.
Ali is seen as the protege to Guddu Khan, state secretary of the BJP's minority cell.
Guddu Khan told this correspondent that the victory of Shaharyar Ali went on the predicted lines. He was to win and we got it done reiterated Guddu Khan.