Iqra Hasan, a 28-year-old candidate from the Samajwadi Party, is breaking stereotypes as she campaigns tirelessly in Uttar Pradesh's Kairana seat, aiming to uphold her family's political legacy.
With her youth, charm, fluency in English, and politeness, Hasan defies the conventional image of a politician from the region.
Hailing from a politically prominent family, Hasan's lineage traces back through several generations of political service. Her grandfather, Akhtar Hasan, served as an MP in 1984, followed by her father, Munawwar Hasan, who represented Kairana in 1996.
Continuing the family tradition, her mother, Tabassum Hasan, held the seat twice, in 2009 and 2018 (bypoll), and her brother, Nahid Hasan, currently serves as the SP MLA from the Kairana Assembly seat.
Despite being born into politics, Hasan truly embraced the field during the 2022 Assembly polls when she stepped in to lead her brother's campaign after his arrest and subsequent incarceration. She has since been actively involved in various election campaigns, showcasing her political acumen and dedication to public service.
Hasan's educational background adds further depth to her candidacy. A History graduate from Lady Sri Ram College in Delhi, she pursued law at the Faculty of Law, Delhi University, and obtained a Master's degree in international law and politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, before returning to India in January 2021.
Her candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections was reportedly handpicked by Akhilesh Yadav, who sought to connect with educated Muslim youth through Hasan's representation.
In Kairana, where political dominance has long been shared between the Hasan and Singh families, Hasan faces a formidable challenge from Pradeep Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Choudhary, belonging to the Gurjar caste, clinched victory in 2019, defeating Hasan's mother, Tabassum Hasan.
Adding to the complexity of the electoral landscape, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has aligned with the BJP, bolstering Choudhary's support base with the Jat community. The recent meeting led by RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary in support of the BJP drew significant crowds, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
However, Hasan remains undeterred, tirelessly engaging with voters through door-to-door canvassing and small gatherings across several villages daily. Her message emphasizes her family's history of impartial service to the constituents of Kairana and pledges to continue the legacy.
Among other contenders, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) presents Sripal Rana, an ex-serviceman, as its candidate in the electoral fray.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Kairana to witness whether Hasan's fresh approach and commitment to her family's political heritage can withstand the challenges posed by seasoned opponents and shifting alliances.
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