Despite her husband being in jail, Begum Shakeela created history by winning the election.

Cine Aajkal New Delhi, 20 February 2023 (Agency). It is said that it does not take long to change the time. This saying is seen in the life of Independent Councilor Begum Shakeela Afzal from Delhi's most important Seelampur Ward No. 225.

Born in a poor family in Buland town of western Uttar Pradesh, Shakeela was married on June 28, 1997, to Afzal, the great-grandson of Lal Khan, who was in various jails during the freedom struggle. From an early age, he started taking interest in political affairs. He also used to do small business for livelihood, which is still a means of earning his livelihood.

Begum Shakeela's husband Afzal contested the Legislative Assembly elections against the Congress in the year 2007, many rivals stood up. She was jailed under the Goonda Act. While her husband was in jail, Begum Shakeela contested the election of corporator on BSP ticket in the year 2012 and won in the first instance itself.

According to Begum Shakeela, she did not know anything about politics at that time. There were small children. The financial condition of the house was not good. Husband Haji Afzal was sent to jail in a false case. Along with this, court action was also being faced.

Begum Shakeela, a connoisseur of Urdu and Arabic, told that before this election, someone suggested that if she wins the election, her husband might get some relief. Despite being ignorant of politics, she jumped into it. Information about this condition BSP leaders got it. They gave her the ticket. During election campaign she went door to door with her innocent children. People showered immense love and she became corporator for the first time.

Begum Shakeela, one of the seven children of laborer and milkman late Haji Zafaruddin, told that after becoming a corporator, he selflessly served the people. Because of this, people elected him for the second time in the year 2017 as well. Till then husband Haji Afzal After completing his sentence, he came out of jail. After this, domestic life started coming back on track and today he is happy.

Councilor Shakeela says that she visits homes every day. During her tenure, she got the area cleaned, roads constructed, drinking water arranged, schools and hospitals constructed. She provided all possible help to the poor and helpless. People have given him a chance for the third time in the year 2022 as well.

Begum Shakeela told that her priorities during this tenure are to establish gas pipeline and ITI in the area. For this, she has requested the Prime Minister.L.S.

Usha Pathak Senior Journalist