12 May 2024: In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, made a significant appeal to his party’s supporters. Addressing a rally in Khilwat, Owaisi indirectly urged AIMIM supporters in constituencies where his party isn’t contesting to vote for Congress candidates. His aim? To thwart the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Telangana.
Without explicitly naming candidates or parties, Owaisi emphasized the urgency of removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Referring to K Chandrasekhar Rao as ‘Mamu,’ he underscored the broader goal of countering BJP’s presence in the region.
Owaisi’s appeal took a specific tone, urging support for Congress candidates like Danam Nagendra in Secunderabad, Jeevan Reddy in Nizamabad, and Dr. Ranjit Reddy in Chevella. His message was clear: in Hyderabad, AIMIM’s stronghold, and across various constituencies in Telangana, defeating the BJP was paramount.
Earlier, the United Muslim Forum (UMF) echoed a similar sentiment, urging support for Owaisi’s re-election bid while also endorsing Congress in the remaining 16 constituencies. The rationale behind this alliance was to combat communal forces and rally behind a national party for the Lok Sabha polls.
With all 17 parliamentary seats in Telangana up for grabs on May 13, the political landscape is charged with anticipation. In the previous election, BRS secured nine seats, BJP four, Congress three, and AIMIM clinched the Hyderabad seat. As Owaisi seeks a fifth consecutive term, the strategic maneuvering in Telangana underscores the significance of every vote in shaping the political trajectory of the region.
As the electoral fervor intensifies, Owaisi’s call for strategic voting serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in Indian politics. With alliances forming and strategies unfolding, the stage is set for a pivotal showdown in Telangana.
