Mystery man gets Cong ticket

“The only thing known about Khan is that he has been a contractor for over a decade and had been doing the rounds in the party circles for a ticket,” said an office-bearer. There was confusion over whether or not he had joined the party.

“The question of joining the party is not important. My family has been with the Congress since the days of my grandfather,who was a freedom fighter. I do not have active political experience in any party,but have not come here for earning money. My business is spread over several states,” said Khan.

Many in the Congress put forward conspiracy theories,saying he was close to mafia don Atique Ahmed,who is contesting from City (West) on an Apna Dal ticket. “Had I been in touch with him,there would have been some case against me. But the fact is that we are in the same city and it is possible that I have acquaintance with him,” said Khan,rejecting the allegation.

Another theory doing the rounds is that some senior Congress leaders had a “soft corner” for Ahmed. That was why the only minority candidate in Allahabad was fielded from Phulpur and not City (West),which is usually the case.

Ravi’s candidature from City (West) was also unexpected. “This is only the second time in 10 years that a Dalit has been given a ticket from a general seat,” said UPCC secretary and spokesperson Kishore Varshneya.