The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has taken a dig at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, claiming that he would need AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi’s backing if he hopes to become Uttar Pradesh chief minister.
AIMIM leader Shadab Chauhan said Yadav’s political strategy would be incomplete without Owaisi and suggested that the “A” in the Samajwadi Party’s PDA formula — “Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak” — should instead represent Asaduddin Owaisi.
Chauhan made the comments while discussing Yadav’s political approach and the Opposition’s prospects ahead of the next Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.
“If Akhilesh Yadav wants to become the chief minister, he will have to take the support of Asaduddin Owaisi,” Chauhan said.
He also claimed that Muslim voters had decided that their votes should help elect a leader who speaks for their interests.
AIMIM TAKES A DIG AT AKHILESH'S PDA
Taking aim at the Samajwadi Party’s PDA strategy, Chauhan said Yadav would struggle to return to power unless the alliance’s “A” also stood for Asaduddin Owaisi.
“Until there is ‘A’ for Asaduddin Owaisi in Akhilesh Yadav's PDA, he cannot even dream of coming to power,” Chauhan said.
The comments come as political parties in Uttar Pradesh work to bring different caste and community groups together ahead of the next Assembly election. The Samajwadi Party has built much of its political strategy around backward classes, Dalits and minority communities.
Chauhan described AIMIM as an important political option for Yadav and suggested that working with Owaisi’s party would be essential for the SP chief to improve his electoral prospects.
AIMIM LEADER TARGETS IMRAN MASOOD
Chauhan also criticised Congress MP Imran Masood, accusing him of praising the Bharatiya Janata Party despite being part of the Opposition.
He alleged that Masood’s praise for the BJP indicated that he had effectively moved closer to the ruling party.
Chauhan further advised Akhilesh Yadav to concentrate on strengthening his own support base, claiming that some sections of it were shifting towards the BJP.
The remarks underscore the continuing competition among Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh, particularly over minority and backward-caste voters. AIMIM has previously attempted to increase its electoral presence in the state, while the Samajwadi Party has sought to establish itself as one of the BJP’s principal Opposition forces.
Chauhan’s statement is expected to further fuel the debate surrounding Opposition unity and the consolidation of votes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.
