Nuh: A district long overshadowed by the developments of neighboring Gurgaon, Nuh finds itself on the cusp of political change as Rabia Kidwai steps forward to contest in the upcoming Assembly elections as an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate. Kidwai aims to change the perception of the deep-rooted gender bias and lack of development in the region, especially for women.
Kidwai, an outsider to Nuh, has faced skepticism from some for her unfamiliarity with the area. However, she emphasizes that her identity as a Muslim and her familial roots tie her to the community. Speaking to the media, Kidwai says, “Yes, I have never lived here. But I come from the community and I have what it takes to bring Nuh at the same level as Gurgaon, especially when it comes to education”. Drawing on her grandfather’s legacy, former State Governor Akhlaq Ur Rehman Kidwai, he was instrumental in founding the Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Medical College – she aims to further the region’s development and uplift its marginalized residents.
Though women here have historically refrained from engaging with political offices, Rabia Kidwai is determined to break these barriers. “The gender bias situation is not as it used to be decades back, but it is still uncommon to see a woman contesting elections or addressing women’s issues in a political space,” she noted. Kidwai’s campaign, however, reveals a desire for change. Both men and women, especially following the 2023 communal riots in Nuh, have rallied behind her, seeking a leader who prioritizes development and inclusivity over divisive politics. Kidwai is keenly aware of the challenges she faces.
“The communal violence was someone’s publicity stunt. Those who instigated it were heartless, and now voters are looking for alternatives,” she remarked. As a Muslim woman vying for a seat in a region where no woman has ever been elected, Kidwai’s candidacy represents both a political and cultural shift.
Her election campaign carries a message of hope – both for women in politics and the people of Nuh. With Haryana’s Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, Rabia Kidwai is positioning herself as a transformative figure capable of bridging the gap between Nuh and more developed areas like Gurgaon, all while challenging long-standing gender and communal divides in the process.
