OBC dhobi for SC seat

On Wednesday, there were no cars outside the Nand Nagri SDM's office where nomination papers of the area are being filed. There was a herd of donkeys instead.

On Wednesday, there were no cars outside the Nand Nagri SDM's office where nomination papers of the area are being filed. There was a herd of donkeys instead.

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Abdul Aziz, candidate of the All India United Muslim Morcha and his supporters had ridden the animals there to file their nomination papers. A dhobi (washerman) by profession, Aziz (45) is contesting from the reserved seat of Seemapuri. "There is no difference between a Muslim dhobi and a Hindu one, so a Muslim dhobi should also be entitled to contest from a constituency reserved for SCs," said Aziz.

Aziz knows his nomination will be rejected as Seemapuri is a reserved seat and he is an OBC. He is content with making a point. “It’s a historic moment,” he said.

Party general secretary Rayazuddin said that Article 341 should be amended to include Muslims, Christians and Dalits in the list of dhobis.