Saif Ali Khan, the NCP candidate from Manihari's reserved tribal seat, represents an unprecedented candidacy in Bihar — a Muslim contesting on Adivasi grounds. Outlook’s Md Asghar Khan spoke with him about identity, stereotypes, and politics.br br Born in the Banjara community, Khan explains how his ancestors converted to Islam generations ago, yet their tribal identity remains constitutionally valid under Article 342. He changed his surname from Banjara to Khan to escape social stigma: “People would belittle us because of the Banjara title.”br br Facing accusations of being “Bangladeshi” and questions about his Adivasi appearance, Khan challenges stereotypes: “You always imagine our community as people who should live in hills, be seen in forests, not come to the city, not lead.”br br He critiques the BJP’s fear politics, noting that the “Bangladeshi” issue only surfaces during elections. His candidacy raises questions about tribal identity, religious conversion, reservation politics, and who gets to define authenticity.