GG News Bureau
Patna, 30th June: As political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has expressed his strong opposition to the return of the NDA government in the state and confirmed that his party is in touch with leaders of the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan over a possible alliance.
In an interview with news agency ANI, the Hyderabad MP said AIMIM’s Bihar unit president Akhtarul Iman has reached out to Mahagathbandhan leaders with a clear message: the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen does not want the NDA back in power. “Now it is up to these political parties that want to prevent the NDA from returning to power in Bihar,” said Owaisi.
Reflecting on a similar attempt made during the 2020 polls, Owaisi added, “Five years ago, I had also tried personally. Nothing came out of it. This time, our state president is trying.” The AIMIM is expected to contest seats in Seemanchal and other regions. “If they are not ready, I am ready to contest everywhere,” he warned.
In 2020, the AIMIM had created a stir by winning five of the 20 seats it contested, largely in Seemanchal. While four of its MLAs later defected to the RJD, the performance had established the party’s growing influence in Bihar politics, particularly among Muslim voters.
Owaisi’s potential tie-up with the Mahagathbandhan assumes importance given his party’s sway in the minority-dominated Seemanchal region, which could affect the traditional Muslim-Yadav voter base of the RJD. His recent surge in popularity following public statements on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor could further amplify AIMIM’s vote share in upcoming polls.
The Congress has often accused Owaisi of helping the BJP by splitting the anti-NDA vote, branding AIMIM the “B-team” of the BJP. Owaisi has repeatedly denied this, asserting that his party offers a credible alternative voice to underrepresented communities.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP-JD(U) alliance is working on finalising its seat-sharing deal, with smaller allies like Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) bargaining hard. On the Opposition side, the RJD and Congress are under pressure to stitch together a cohesive front that can challenge the NDA, while political newcomer Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is also preparing for its electoral debut.
As Bihar heads into a high-stakes election, AIMIM’s moves—whether part of the alliance or not—could prove decisive in the final tally.
