Owaisi Condemns Attack on AIMIM Leader Amid Local Elections in Maharashtra

Owaisi Speaks Out Against Violence Targeting Party Members

Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has condemned a recent attack on Imtiaz Jaleel, the party's Maharashtra unit president, during the ongoing campaign for local body elections. Speaking to reporters, Owaisi stated that the residents of Aurangabad would respond by voting for his party. He described the attack as a cowardly act perpetrated by those who are clearly facing defeat. He expressed confidence that the people would support the party by pressing the kite symbol on their ballots. Owaisi has urged the authorities to identify those responsible for the incident.

Road Show and Allegations of Violence

Earlier in the day, Owaisi conducted a roadshow from Azad Chowk to Buddhi Lane in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, engaging with locals to promote his party's candidates for the upcoming elections. Jaleel reported that they had received permission for the rally, with police presence at the site. However, he claimed that a group of 20-25 armed thugs attacked their supporters and vehicles, resulting in injuries. Jaleel emphasized that such intimidation tactics would not deter them from completing their rally, asserting their right to peacefully contest elections within a democratic framework.

Concerns Over Election Integrity

Jaleel accused the attackers of attempting to disrupt the electoral process and warned that while the party would remain peaceful if an FIR is filed and action taken, they would decide on further steps if authorities fail to act. He alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and leaders associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are uncomfortable with AIMIM's growing influence, fearing that the party could emerge as a significant force in the municipal elections.

Upcoming Municipal Elections in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Voting is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes set for January 16.