In a major political twist, Lok Dal candidate Kanwar Hasan, who is also brother-in-law of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, has joined RLD and withdrawn his candidature from Kairana by election on Thursday.
As per sources, it is believed that Kanwar has been convinced by RLD vice president Jayant Singh to join the party and strengthen the alliance.
Kanwar Hasan is the brother of Munnawar Hasan, husband of RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan. Earlier, his decision to contest the election from Kairana against his sister-in-law had stunned every one. It was feared that his presence in the election would drift thousands of Muslim votes away from Opposition supported RLD candidate Tabassum.
On Thursday, Kanwar Hasan surprised everyone by appearing with RLD leader Jayant Choudhary and declaring his withdrawal from the election and joining RLD.
Confirming RLD’s state spokesperson Sunil Rohta said Kanwar Hasan would now campaign in support of RLD candidate and his sister-in-law Tabassum.
While admitting about his differences with family of his elder brother, he however stressed that ensuring defeat of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was more important.
In the past, Kanwar had differences with Tabassum and her son, Nahid Hasan, who had blamed him uncle for contesting election to benefit BJP.
Hasan’s father is chairman of Kairana Nagarpalika and have sizeable hold over a section of Muslim voters. The RLD leadership was well aware that he might influence a Muslim votes, which would adversely affect the prospects of their candidate in this by election.
Kairana constituency has over 5.5 lakh Muslim voters out of the total votes of about 16 lakhs.
The alliance candidate of RLD and Samajwadi Party is having support of Congress and also undeclared support of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has not fielded it’s candidate in this election.