Iqra Hasan, a London-educated candidate representing the Samajwadi Party (SP), is making waves in the electoral arena as she contests for the Kairana Lok Sabha seat against BJP's incumbent MP, Pradeep Chaudhary. The Kairana constituency, situated in Western Uttar Pradesh, has historically been a focal point of political contention, particularly between two prominent families. The backdrop of the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013 and allegations of Hindu families' exodus have further intensified the electoral dynamics in the region.
At the age of 27, Iqra Hasan is leading the charge for the INDIA bloc against the BJP, garnering support from diverse groups within the constituency. Hailing from a political lineage, Iqra is the daughter of Munawwar Hasan and Tabassum Hasan, both former MPs from Kairana, with her grandfather, Akhtar Hasan, also having held the seat in the 1980s. Iqra's foray into politics gained momentum after her family members, including her mother and brother Nahid Hasan, faced legal challenges initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Police. Despite adversities, she actively managed her brother's campaign during the 2021 UP assembly polls, contributing significantly to his victory in the Kairana seat.
The electoral landscape in Kairana is marked by a longstanding rivalry between two influential families, the Hasans and the Singhs, stemming from historical enmity dating back to religious conversions. This animosity has translated into electoral battles spanning decades, with prominent figures like Hukum Singh representing the BJP and Chaudhary Munawwar Hasan from the Samajwadi Party. Following in the footsteps of her family members, Iqra is spearheading the electoral campaign, continuing the legacy of her predecessors.
The upcoming election in Kairana presents a formidable challenge for Iqra Hasan, with BJP's Pradeep Chaudhary posing a formidable opponent. However, factors such as Kairana's demography, comprising a diverse mix of Muslims, Dalits, Jats, and Gujjars, could tilt the scales in her favor. The alliance between the SP and Congress under the INDIA bloc further strengthens her electoral prospects, presenting a unified front against the BJP.
Iqra's candidacy resonates with key issues affecting the constituency, including economic empowerment, social justice, and communal harmony. By emphasizing themes of inclusivity and development, she aims to counter the BJP's narrative of polarization and communalism. Her focus on addressing the concerns of marginalized communities, such as extremely backward classes and Dalits, underscores her commitment to inclusive governance.
With widespread support from various caste groups, along with the significant Muslim population in Kairana, Iqra Hasan's candidacy represents a formidable challenge to the established political order in the otherwise male-dominated arena. As the electorate prepares to cast their votes, all eyes are on whether the London-educated 'beti' can secure victory and usher in a new era of representation and governance in Kairana.
