In a significant political development in Nagpur, Alisha Khan, the 29-year-old wife of the prime accused in the March 2025 Nagpur riots, has filed her nomination to contest the upcoming civic elections. She will be fighting from Ward 3D in the Ashi Nagar zone on a ticket from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
From Homemaker to Candidate: A Life Transformed
Until March 17, 2025, Alisha Khan, an SSC pass-out, led an ordinary life focused on her family. Her world revolved around caring for her children and elderly in-laws. Her husband, Fahim Khan, ran an IT services shop in Yashodhara Nagar and headed the Minorities Democratic Party. However, the night of March 17 changed everything. Fahim was arrested in connection with the Mahal area riots and jailed for four months. In a swift action, police and civic authorities demolished their two-storeyed house in Yashodhara Nagar with bulldozers.
Speaking about the ordeal, Alisha told TOI that the family's house, registered in her mother-in-law's name, was razed over alleged lack of permissions. By the time they secured a court stay, the structure was already destroyed. "The official notice mentions a 90 sqft violation, but the entire authorised 800 sqft construction was bulldozed. We challenged this action," she stated. Fahim was later granted bail by a sessions court.
The Political Pivot and a Campaign Against Civic Neglect
The traumatic experience became a catalyst for Alisha's entry into politics. "My husband's time in prison taught me how to raise my voice against injustice. We have no fear now," she asserted. Her husband, Fahim, acknowledged a remarkable transformation in her. "I found her a changed woman. She managed our children, my elderly parents, and the court case... She emerged with leadership qualities and confidence, which is why we decided to field her from our home turf," he said.
Fahim explained that after being projected as a communal face, prospects of securing a ticket from major parties like the BJP or Congress were bleak. "AIMIM always stood with the oppressed. We are confident of a win," he added. The AIMIM has fielded 17 candidates across Nagpur, with four from Prabhag 3, including Alisha.
Fighting for Ward 3D: A Pledge to Address Backwardness
Alisha's campaign is centered on highlighting the severe civic issues plaguing her ward, which she describes as one of the most backward in Nagpur. She pointed out the stark contrast between the swift demolition of her home and the authorities' apathy towards public welfare.
Her key concerns for Ward 3D include:
- Annual flooding of settlements along the Pili river due to the absence of a stormwater network.
- Government schools that have either shut down or are in a dilapidated state.
- Unregularised slums and a complete lack of emergency medical services.
- Patients often dying during the 8km journey to medical colleges for critical care.
"Our ward is among the most backward and underdeveloped in Nagpur... I want to address these issues," Alisha vowed, positioning her fight as one for basic dignity and development for all residents, transcending her personal ordeal.
