The BJP’s ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) on Sunday announced it was fielding Haider Ali Khan of the erstwhile Nawab royalty of Rampur as its candidate in the Suar constituency of Rampur in western Uttar Pradesh.
Mr. Haider Khan, who turns 31 in March, was recently declared the Congress candidate from the seat. His nomination by the Apna Dal (S) headed by Union Minister Anupriya Patel is the first instance in recent times when a BJP-led alliance in the State has fielded a Muslim.