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Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has issued a call for unity within the Indian National Congress (Congress) to effectively counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections. This call comes on the heels of the Congress's underwhelming performance in the recent Haryana Assembly elections. Owaisi, known for his outspoken political stance, believes that a unified opposition is essential to challenge the BJP's dominance. He emphasizes that the Congress cannot achieve this alone and must engage with other political forces.
Owaisi's statement is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November. He has expressed openness to forming an alliance with the Congress in the state to disrupt the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which comprises the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, the BJP, and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. Owaisi sees this alliance as a means to prevent the return of the trio to power. Notably, Owaisi's party, AIMIM, has already initiated discussions with the Congress through its MP, Imtiyaz Jaleel.
The potential for an alliance between AIMIM and Congress, however, is not without its complexities. Owaisi's stance is not entirely surprising given that AIMIM has been open to forming alliances even before the Lok Sabha polls. Yet, they were excluded from the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties formed to counter the BJP. This exclusion reflects the internal tensions and strategic considerations within the opposition landscape. While Owaisi has expressed willingness to collaborate, he has also issued a warning that AIMIM will contest elections independently if the Congress fails to respond positively to their outreach.
This situation highlights the dynamic and often intricate power dynamics within Indian politics. Owaisi's overtures towards the Congress, while seemingly aimed at forming a united front against the BJP, may also reflect AIMIM's desire to expand its political influence in key states. This could potentially lead to strategic negotiations and realignments within the opposition, shaping the contours of the upcoming elections. The outcome of these political maneuvers, and the extent to which they lead to a unified opposition, will have significant ramifications for the future of Indian politics.
Source: Asaduddin Owaisi urges Congress to unite against BJP, says he is open for alliance