AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has made a strategic political outreach ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling potential cooperation with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) to prevent the NDA (BJP-led alliance) from returning to power in the state. Here's a detailed breakdown of the developments:
🔹 Owaisi’s Political Outreach
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Akhtarul Iman, AIMIM’s Bihar state president, has initiated talks with leaders of the Mahagathbandhan, which includes:
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RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal)
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Congress
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Other smaller opposition parties
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Owaisi emphasized:
"We do not want the BJP or NDA to come back in power in Bihar... Now it is up to these political parties."
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The AIMIM is now open to an alliance, but also prepared to contest independently if talks do not yield results.
🔹 AIMIM’s Electoral Position in Bihar
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The party has a strong base in the Muslim-majority Seemanchal region (especially districts like Kishanganj, Araria, and Katihar).
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However, AIMIM suffered a setback in 2022, when four of its five MLAs defected to the RJD, weakening its legislative presence.
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Owaisi has said his party will field candidates both within and beyond Seemanchal, keeping options open for a broader campaign.
🔹 Concerns over Electoral Roll Revision
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Owaisi has raised serious concerns about the Election Commission’s “Special Intensive Revision” of electoral rolls in Bihar.
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He has alleged that this exercise resembles a backdoor NRC (National Register of Citizens), tweeting:
“Every citizen will now have to show documents proving when and where they and their parents were born… This is exclusionary.”
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He fears it could lead to the disenfranchisement of the poor and marginalized, particularly Muslims and Dalits, who often lack full documentation.
🔹 Larger Implications
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Owaisi’s move places pressure on the Mahagathbandhan to decide whether to align with AIMIM, a party often criticized for vote-splitting in minority-dominated regions.
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The Electoral Roll controversy could gain momentum, especially if civil society groups take up the issue.
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Owaisi’s assertiveness could consolidate minority votes in his favor, especially among Muslims suspicious of both BJP policies and the Mahagathbandhan’s credibility.
