A fatwa has been issued against Socialist Party MLA candidate Naseem Solanki, sparking political activity in Uttar Pradesh. Naseem, the wife of former MLA Irfan Solanki, is the SP candidate for the Sisamau assembly seat in Kanpur. The controversy erupted after a video of Naseem performing rituals at a temple went viral.
On Diwali night, Naseem poured water over a Shivling in a Kanpur temple and conducted puja with full rituals. The All India Muslim Jamaat condemned her actions, with national chairman Maulana Mufti issuing a fatwa against her.
The BJP seized upon the video to criticize Naseem, suggesting it is a political manoeuvre. Irfan Solanki, Naseem’s husband and former MLA, is currently in jail. The impact of this incident on Naseem’s political prospects from the Sisamau seat will unfold in the coming days.