In a nation where politics has traditionally sidelined queer voices, Sheikh Arsalan Ullah Chishti is not just entering the fray—he’s rewriting the rules. A social worker, activist, and India’s first publicly queer politician, Arsalan’s candidacy for the Okhla MLA seat is as historic as his bold acts of resistance. From protesting at Jantar Mantar without arrest to taking his fight directly to some of the most secure buildings in the country, Arsalan is proving that change begins with courage.
A Nomination That Made History
On December 16, a significant milestone was achieved when Sheikh Arsalan Ullah Chishti’s nomination was officially accepted for the Delhi Elections 2025. A photograph of Arsalan stepping out of the nomination office, smiling alongside their lawyer Gunjan Rathore, captured the moment’s significance. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic formality—it was a declaration that India’s political landscape is shifting to include voices that have long been excluded.
“This nomination isn’t just about me,” Arsalan says. “It’s a step forward for every queer person, every Bahujan, and every marginalized community in this country.”
Protesting Without Permission at Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, known for being the epicenter of protests in Delhi, has seen many movements—but none quite like this. In a historic moment, Arsalan and his allies staged a protest demanding gender-neutral rape laws under Section 63 of the BNS, all without prior permission. Remarkably, no arrests were made—a rare occurrence for such unpermitted demonstrations at this location in recent memory.
Arsalan, holding a bold sign that read, “Mardon Ke Balatkar Ka Kya? Make BNS Section 63 Gender Neutral,” stood undeterred in front of police barricades, a sight that quickly went viral.
“This was about more than just laws—it was about showing that we won’t wait for permission to demand our rights,” Arsalan says.
Making a Stand in One of India’s Most Secure Buildings
Another daring act of defiance occurred at Jagran’s head office in WTT, one of the most secure private buildings in the country. Without prior permission or information, Arsalan walked in, flashed his sign demanding gender-neutral rape laws, and left without incident.
“This wasn’t just a protest—it was a message,” Arsalan says. “Even in spaces designed to keep us out, we will make our voices heard.”
Reports suggest that such an unplanned protest inside this high-security building has not happened in the past 20 years, marking it as another first for Arsalan’s trailblazing journey.
A Campaign of Courage: From Problems to Promises
Sheikh Arsalan Ullah Chishti’s journey isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about confronting the harsh realities faced by the people of Okhla and proposing a bold, transformative vision to address them. In a political landscape dominated by empty promises and double-faced politicians, Arsalan stands out as a leader who doesn’t just speak about change but embodies it in his actions.
For decades, Okhla has been plagued by systemic neglect. The area’s diverse population—a mix of working-class families, small business owners, and marginalized communities—has been treated as an afterthought in the broader narrative of Delhi’s development. While the city’s glitzy neighborhoods enjoy clean water, reliable electricity, and modern infrastructure, Okhla’s residents are left to navigate crumbling roads, overflowing sewage, and intermittent power cuts.