Imam cites inability to campaign personally due to legal hurdles and restrictions imposed on him.
Sharjeel Imam, an activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University student, has announced that he will not be contesting the Bihar Assembly elections as an independent candidate. His brother, Muzammil Imam, conveyed this decision via social media on Thursday. Imam attributed his withdrawal to the rejection of his bail petition by the Delhi High Court on September 2, as well as the Supreme Court’s failure to grant him interim relief shortly after.
Imam expressed disappointment over the situation, noting that the matter has been postponed until late October. He had initially anticipated being released on bail before the elections, which are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the results to be counted on November 14.
Before his withdrawal, Imam had planned to contest from the Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district. However, he highlighted that the state has created obstacles that would prevent him from personally campaigning and engaging with voters. In his message, relayed through his brother, Imam stated, “We did anticipate this scenario and tried to prepare for it, but with extreme restrictions which a political prisoner like me faces, especially in communicating with the outside world, one month was simply not enough.”
Sharjeel Imam has been in custody for over five years, facing serious allegations connected to the 2020 Delhi riots. Arrested in January 2020, he is accused of being involved in a broader conspiracy related to the unrest that erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens. These protests, which took place in various locations including Delhi, Aligarh, Asansol, and Chakband, culminated in violent clashes in North East Delhi in February 2020.
The violence during these clashes resulted in 53 deaths and left hundreds injured. Authorities, including the Delhi Police, have claimed that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy aimed at discrediting the Narendra Modi government. They allege that Imam’s speeches incited members of the Muslim community, contributing to the outbreak of violence.
Despite his efforts to engage in the electoral process, Sharjeel Imam’s legal challenges and the restrictions imposed upon him have ultimately led to his decision not to participate in the upcoming Bihar elections. His case continues to be a focal point of discussion surrounding the political climate and the treatment of dissenting voices in India.
