SP’s Surprise Candidate for Suar Tanda By-poll; Could Become First Woman MLA from the Area

Image Source: Hindustan Times

The Samajwadi Party has nominated Anuradha Chauhan as its candidate for the Suar Tanda assembly by-poll, making her the first woman to contest the seat. Despite being relatively unknown, Chauhan expressed confidence in winning the election with the backing of SP senior leader and former Rampur MP-MLA Azam Khan, as well as party national president Akhilesh Yadav.

Chauhan has a strong background in local politics, having served as the village head of Savakthal village in Suar from 2010-15, and is currently a Zila Panchayat member in Rampur. She joined the SP two years ago after winning her Zila Panchayat seat as a member of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Chauhan is an advocate with BA and LLB degrees and was recognized by the election commission for being a highly qualified gram pradhan.

The by-poll is being held after the disqualification of Abdullah Azam Khan, son of Azam Khan, who won the seat in the 2022 UP assembly elections. The BJP is not contesting the by-polls, but its ally Apna Dal (S) has fielded Shafiq Ahmed as its candidate. Chauhan’s nomination as the SP candidate came as a surprise as she is not a family member or close associate of Azam Khan. However, her selection demonstrates the party’s commitment to gender diversity and representation in politics. If elected, Chauhan’s victory would be a significant milestone for women’s political participation in Suar Tanda.

Re-reported from the story originally published in Hindustan Times