Starting his Bihar election campaign from Seemanchal, Owaisi is now moving towards Mithilanchal and Saran. He will hold meetings in Motihari and Gopalganj on May 4th.
Bihar Election: Political activity has intensified ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has begun his election campaign in the state from the Seemanchal region. Owaisi's tour is being seen as the party's launchpad for the upcoming elections.
Starting from Seemanchal, shifting towards Mithilanchal and Saran
Owaisi arrived in Kishanganj, Bihar, on Friday. On Saturday, he will address a public meeting in Bahadurganj. Following this, on May 4th, he will hold public meetings in Dhaka, Motihari, and Gopalganj. It's clear that AIMIM, after expanding from Seemanchal, is now working on a plan to enter new areas like Mithilanchal and Saran.
Surprising performance in 2020
In the 2020 Assembly elections, AIMIM fielded candidates for 18 seats in Bihar for the first time, winning five. All these seats were in the Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population. AIMIM's performance at that time was considered a major setback for the Grand Alliance, especially the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Strategy to penetrate the Muslim vote bank
AIMIM's political focus is primarily on Muslim voters. Muslims constitute approximately 18 percent of Bihar's population. Districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, and Katihar in Seemanchal are considered Muslim-majority areas. In 2020, Owaisi contested in these areas and made a significant impact. Now, the party aims to expand into areas of Mithilanchal and Saran where the Muslim vote can play a decisive role.
Changing equations with the return of former MLAs
Of the five AIMIM MLAs who won in 2020, four later joined the RJD. This includes Shahnawaz Alam, who contested and lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an RJD candidate from Araria. Only Akhtarul Iman remained with AIMIM. The party is now preparing to make a b comeback in these areas.
Special focus on Mithilanchal and Saran
AIMIM leaders have indicated that the party may field candidates in some new seats in Mithilanchal and Saran this time. AIMIM's activity has increased in areas like Darbhanga, Madhubani, Chhapra, Gopalganj, and Siwan. However, Saran will present a greater challenge for AIMIM as the region has been under the influence of both RJD and JDU.
Increased concern for the Grand Alliance
The Grand Alliance, especially the RJD, considers AIMIM a vote-cutter. The RJD claims that Owaisi's party indirectly helps the NDA by splitting the Muslim votes. However, Owaisi has repeatedly stated that he will question both the BJP and the Grand Alliance. He also alleges that the RJD, after coming to power, has kept Muslim representation merely symbolic, marginalizing them in budget allocations and ministerial positions.
Potential impact on the NDA
While AIMIM challenges the Grand Alliance's vote bank, it also poses a concern for the NDA, particularly the JDU. In Seemanchal and Mithilanchal, most NDA candidates are from the JDU, and a direct contest with AIMIM is likely. Furthermore, Owaisi's outspokenness on religious issues could also pose a challenge for the BJP.
AIMIM's strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections
AIMIM aims to expand its influence in Bihar by strengthening its existing bholds and making inroads into new areas. The party is working to mobilize Muslim voters and break the RJD's monopoly.
