She is the first Muslim candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party to win by one of the largest margins in the BBMP elections. Syed Haseena Taj, who polled 11,428 votes from Mangammanapalya ward, was a busy woman on Monday taking part in processions throughout the day. Speaking on her behalf, her politician husband Syed Salam expressed their happiness. “She is very happy. People have supported her wholeheartedly,” he said.
Ms. Taj, once a homemaker, contested at the insistence of her husband. When asked why she chose the BJP ticket, Mr. Salam explained: “I was with the JD(S) for 15 years. But we both realised that parties that discriminate on the basis of religion are the JD(S) and the Congress, not the BJP.” He added that she would have won even as an independent candidate as people had faith in her reputation as a helpful person.