I’ve been approached to join BJP, says Nida

LUCKNOW: Bareilly-based anti triple talaq crusader Nida Khan, 23, has been approached by BJP representatives with an offer to join the party.

“A senior female BJP leader of the region called me over phone a couple of days ago and asked me to join the party. I am yet to decide over the prospect of joining the party,” Nida told HT on Thursday.

Confirming the proposal, BJP president of Bareilly, Rakesh Rathore said, “The BJP is with every person who is fighting against malpractices in our society. The party has always been vocal about the fight of Nida Khan and women who are suffering like her. Such people are always welcome in the party.”

According to party sources, senior party leaders of the region are debating over the issue and will take the final decision in this matter.

Nida, who was married into the family of renowned Barelvi cleric Ahmed Raza Khan, was given triple talaq by her husband in 2015. She approached the court against this and continues to fight her case.

She was in news recently after a local Barelvi cleric issued a fatwa against her announcing that she be ousted from Islam for questioning practices like triple talaq and halala.

Speaking on the issue, an MLA from Bareilly said, “Nida Khan can provide a Muslim face to the party in the region. She can propagate our party’s message among her community that will surely benefit the party.