AIMIM Leader Owaisi Rejects Alliance with BJP After Strong Performance in Maharashtra Elections
Owaisi's Firm Stance on Political Alliances
Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), firmly dismissed any possibility of forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following his party's impressive showing in the Maharashtra municipal elections. In a recent interview, he metaphorically stated that the two sides are like the shores of a sea that can never meet. Owaisi referred to a recent incident in Akot where AIMIM councilors attempted to ally with the BJP, emphasizing that the party had already warned them against such actions.
Councilors' Alleged Misunderstanding
Owaisi explained that initially, the councilors claimed they were unaware of the BJP's affiliation with the group they joined. He noted that the party promptly instructed them to retract their support by writing to the municipal commissioner. It later emerged that the son of a BJP leader had been inducted into the party through a co-option process, leading to Imtiaz Jaleel suspending the councilors from AIMIM. Owaisi made it clear that the party would take strict action against any member attempting to ally with rival political factions.
AIMIM's Electoral Success
He further elaborated that following the BJP leader's son's entry into the party, the councilors faced suspension. Owaisi stated that whether it is the BJP, Eknath Shinde, or Ajit Pawar, any member who aligns with them will face consequences. Highlighting AIMIM's performance in the Maharashtra municipal elections, he revealed that the party secured 125 seats, in addition to approximately 85 seats won in the recent municipal elections. Currently, AIMIM boasts over 200 councilors across various municipal councils and corporations in the state.
AIMIM's Groundwork and Future Prospects
Owaisi noted, "This time we have won 125 seats. In the municipal elections held about a month ago, around 85 of our candidates emerged victorious. When considering both municipal councils and corporations, we now have over 200 councilors elected." He emphasized that if a party fails to win elections, it indicates underlying issues within that party. AIMIM has been consistently active at the grassroots level for years. The recent Maharashtra municipal elections saw AIMIM achieving significant gains, winning more seats compared to previous elections and securing eight seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.