The BJP has fielded renowned Muslim social worker and ABVP functionary Shahzadi Syed to contest against AIMM’s Akbaruddin who is a four-time MLA from the Chandrayangutta constituency, as reported by TNIE.

Chandrayangutta is considered to be an AIMIM stronghold which would make this a tough contest for Syed, who says that she is confident of victory. “Muslims in the Old City are looking for a change,” Syed said on Friday (2 November).

She added that Muslims have started to move beyond religion and will vote for someone who can help with jobs and development. “AIMIM has failed to provide any of these in last few decades. I stand a good chance of winning,’’ Syed said after she was named as the BJP candidate to contest in Chandrayangutta.

Syed hails from Adilabad district and moved to Hyderabad in 2014 when she joined Osmania University. She holds a postgraduate degree in Political science.

“I have been active in student politics after the movement for a separate state started in 2009. I have been part of ABVP. I think it is the most progressive and democratic student organisation and their idea of nationalism appealed to me. I have held several posts in the ABVP,’’ said Syed.

“Muslims used to mistake BJP as a staunch Hindu party. I feel that it is a secular and democratic party. Muslims have also started realising that… When I joined BJP, several Muslims congratulated me. This is the party that nominated a Muslim, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, to be the President of India. Prominent leaders like Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Sikandar Bhakt are with the BJP. I feel in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, at least 4 per cent Muslims voted for BJP,’’ she added.

She also stated that AIMIM garnered votes due to fear and not because they formulate beneficial policies for Muslims.

The second list of 28 candidates was released by the BJP on Friday( November 02) featuring the likes of Hanif Ali , the current BJP Telangana Minority Morcha chief, who will contest from Bahadurpura.

The second list consists of six women, five ST and two SC candidates.

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