With Bihar’s assembly elections on the horizon, the political atmosphere is charged with activity. The AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has been persistently seeking entry into the Mahagathbandhan, the primary opposition coalition. Despite their efforts, they have not received a positive response from Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, with the Congress also showing reluctance. In response, the AIMIM has initiated a new campaign to influence the Mahagathbandhan’s decision. Akhtarul Iman, the Bihar state president of AIMIM, led a demonstration with supporters outside Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Patna residence, advocating for the party’s inclusion in the Mahagathbandhan. Iman emphasized that the splintering of secular votes would indirectly benefit the BJP, advocating for unity among all parties for the elections. Their attempt to deliver a letter to Lalu Prasad Yadav was thwarted, as no one was present to receive it. Post-protest, Iman expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to accept their letter. Speaking to the media, AIMIM leaders and workers underscored the potential harm to the Mahagathbandhan if secular votes were fractured, indirectly assisting the BJP. Iman warned against the RJD assigning blame to the AIMIM if the Mahagathbandhan was unsuccessful in forming a government post-elections, highlighting the AIMIM’s consistent efforts to unite and oppose the BJP. He cited the RJD’s stance as the reason for the stalled alliance. The AIMIM had previously reached out to Mahagathbandhan leaders in July, proposing their inclusion, but the offer was declined. Following this, the AIMIM declared its intention to stay out of the India alliance for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Akhtarul Iman reaffirmed the AIMIM’s commitment to compete in the elections, relying on their strong principles and public trust.
