Mumbai: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 125 seats in Maharashtra’s recent civic elections, surprising many political analysts. Party president Asaduddin Owaisi attributed the success to sustained grassroots mobilisation and a focus on representing marginalised communities, particularly Muslims.
Owaisi rejected claims that AIMIM acts as a ‘B team’ of the BJP, arguing that opposition parties, including Congress, deflect from their failures by making such accusations. He stressed that the party speaks for all underrepresented groups, not only Muslims. He cited victories of Dalit and non-Muslim candidates in Shivaji Nagar and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar as examples of AIMIM’s inclusive approach.
The party aims to contest upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal but will not enter Kerala due to the presence of the Indian Union Muslim League. Owaisi highlighted the role of leaders like Imtiaz Jaleel, Yusuf Punjani, Mufti Ismail, and other state and national representatives in achieving electoral gains through extensive grassroots campaigns.
Addressing concerns over past alliances, Owaisi noted that corporators who aligned with the BJP-led Mahayuti have been suspended, signalling zero tolerance for political deviations. He indicated that AIMIM will continue to contest independently where feasible, prioritising the resolution of local social and economic issues over forming alliances.
Owaisi also emphasized that the party’s long-term strategy focuses on expanding its base and strengthening representation for marginalised communities rather than merely seeking national recognition.
