7 June 2024: In a significant political development in Western Uttar Pradesh, Iqra Hasan, a London-educated postgraduate, has won the Kairana Lok Sabha seat, defeating BJP’s Pradeep Chaudhary by over 69,000 votes. This victory marks her debut in the political arena under the Samajwadi Party banner.
Iqra Hasan secured 48.9% of the votes, while her nearest competitor, Chaudhary, garnered 42.5%, according to the Election Commission data. Her campaign, which emphasized “bijli, siksha, rozgar” (electricity, education, employment), resonated deeply with the electorate.
Iqra’s political journey is deeply intertwined with her family’s legacy. Her grandfather, Akhtar Hasan, won the Kairana seat in 1984 on a Congress ticket, defeating Mayawati in her debut election. Her father, Munawwar Hasan, served as an MP until his death in 2008. Following his demise, Iqra’s mother, Tabassum Hasan, held the seat twice, once on a BSP ticket in 2009 and again in a 2018 bypoll. Iqra’s brother, Nahid Hasan, is a three-time MLA who won his most recent election while incarcerated under the Gangster Act in 2022.
Iqra’s educational background is noteworthy. She attended Queen Mary’s School in New Delhi, graduated from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, and completed her postgraduate studies in international politics and law at SOAS University in London. Despite her extensive education, Iqra identifies as a farmer in her election affidavit, reflecting her connection to her roots.
Her campaign was marked by heartfelt moments, including instances where locals showed their affection by showering her with rose petals and referring to her as “Iqra behan” (sister Iqra). Iqra’s advocacy for education as a means to foster harmony and bridge communal divides has been a cornerstone of her political message.
She has also been a vocal supporter of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during her time in London, further demonstrating her commitment to social justice.
Iqra Hasan’s victory in Kairana not only continues her family’s political legacy but also brings a fresh perspective to the region’s political landscape. Her blend of empathy, education, and dedication to public service has clearly struck a chord with the voters, setting the stage for her promising political career.
