5 Things to Know About Asim Ahmed Khan, the Congress Candidate for Matia Mahal
Asim Ahmed Khan to Contest Assembly Elections on Congress Ticket
Former Delhi minister Asim Ahmed Khan has announced his candidacy for the upcoming assembly elections from the Matia Mahal seat, this time representing the Congress party. Mr. Khan made the switch from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to Congress in December 2024, marking a significant political move in his career.
Background and Education
Asim Ahmed Khan, a businessman by profession, holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He initially entered politics as a member of AAP’s minority wing and quickly rose to prominence during the 2015 Assembly election.
Political Career and Controversies
During the 2015 election, Asim Ahmed Khan made headlines by defeating the long-standing Congress candidate Shoaib Iqbal in the Matia Mahal seat, securing a decisive victory by over 26,000 votes. He then served as the Delhi minister for the Food and Civil Supplies and Environment department.
However, his tenure was short-lived as he was dismissed from his ministerial position in October 2015 over allegations of accepting a bribe for allowing construction work in his constituency. Despite denying the accusations and attributing them to internal politics within AAP, Mr. Khan faced further challenges when he accused party leader Arvind Kejriwal and others of conspiring to harm him in July 2016.
In 2019, Asim Ahmed Khan was appointed as the chairman of the Delhi State Haj Committee, following the clearance of corruption charges by the CBI after four years. Despite his efforts, he was unable to secure a victory in the 2020 election as AAP fielded Shoaib Iqbal, who reclaimed the Matia Mahal seat for the sixth time.
Switch to Congress
In a surprising turn of events, Asim Ahmed Khan joined the Congress party in December 2024, setting the stage for a political showdown with his former rival Shoaib Iqbal. The upcoming election will see the two contenders face off once again, with Mr. Khan seeking to regain his former seat and make a mark in Delhi’s political landscape.
Conclusion
Asim Ahmed Khan’s decision to contest the assembly elections on a Congress ticket marks a significant chapter in his political journey. With a mix of victories, controversies, and challenges, he remains a prominent figure in Delhi politics, poised to make a comeback and carve out a new path for himself in the upcoming polls.