Just 32, a YouTube star and a poet who wraps his messages on conscience voting, secularism and women in fiery verse, Congress candidate Imran Pratapgarhi is the politician with more than a slight difference.
The young man's poetry has always been political but he steered clear of mainstream politics, until recently when he became Congress president Rahul Gandhi's choice to contest the Lok Sabha elections from this parliamentary constituency.
Pratapgarhi, who takes his name from Pratapgarh in the state, about 500 km from here, decided to write his political destiny from Moradabad, the land of legendary poet Jigar Moradabadi.
"I am trying my best to not let the votes get divided. This is not about Muslims. I am appealing to every one troubled by the politics and policies of BJP," Pratapgarhi told PTI.
The newbie is up against sitting BJP MP Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar, an influential Thakur and five-term MLA from the area, and the SP-BSP-RLD candidate, former mayor S T Hasan, who has a loyal base of supporters and managed over three lakh votes in the 2014 'Modi wave' election.
Seen as a David among Goliaths in the poll arena, Pratapgarhi is confident of a win in the April 23 election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SP president Akhilesh Yadav have held rallies to galvanise their respective support bases, but Pratapgarhi is trying to first test his own abilities.
Asked why top leaders of Congress are not coming for his support in contrast to BJP and 'gathbandhan' leaders who are campaigning in and around Moradabad, he said, "I requested them to come during the fag end of the campaign. Till now, I am trying to test my own abilities to take on this challenge."
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