AIMIM’s participation could lead to polarisation, especially in a city already grappling with the complex challenges of religious identity and community relations
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is preparing to debut in the Delhi Assembly elections. Owaisi’s decision to field candidates in Muslim-dominated constituencies could significantly alter the electoral dynamics in the capital, especially with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) having secured the support of a large Muslim vote base in previous elections.
AIMIM’s entry into the electoral fray marks a bold challenge to the political hegemony of both AAP and Congress in Delhi. It could directly benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since it has the potential to divide the Muslim vote. In the 2020 Delhi elections, AAP won every single seat with a notable Muslim electorate, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s reputation for inclusive governance being a key factor in securing this support.
Owaisi’s approach in Delhi is clear – his party will contest from at least 10 constituencies, particularly those where Muslims constitute a significant portion of the electorate. The list of constituencies includes Mustafabad, Seelampur, Babarpur, Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, Okhla, Jangpura, Sadar Bazar, Matia Mahal, and Karawal Nagar. Owaisi aims to reinforce his influence in these areas by presenting AIMIM as a true representative of Muslim interests, accusing AAP and Congress of taking Muslim votes for granted without delivering on promises.
Speaking at a recent rally, Owaisi condemned the current political parties for their “betrayal” of the Muslim community, stating, “The AAP government and Congress have consistently taken Muslim votes without addressing the issues that affect our community. Kejriwal pretends to support us, but when it comes to real issues, his party has failed to act.”
Owaisi’s criticism is not new; his party has long been vocal about what it sees as the abandonment of the Muslim cause by mainstream parties. In targeting constituencies with a large Muslim population, Owaisi is positioning AIMIM as a voice of dissent against the status quo, asserting that Muslims deserve more than tokenistic gestures and empty promises.
The BJP, which benefits from promoting communal division, has welcomed AIMIM’s entry into Delhi’s political arena with caution. Party leaders have expressed concerns that Owaisi’s candidacy might stoke further communal tensions in the city, which has witnessed significant unrest in recent years. BJP spokespersons have argued that AIMIM’s participation could lead to polarisation, especially in a city already grappling with the complex challenges of religious identity and community relations.
“Delhi does not need a political party that thrives on religious division,” said a BJP leader. “Owaisi’s presence could exacerbate tensions and further isolate communities.” While the BJP’s motives are questioned by some, their fears regarding the potential impact of AIMIM’s campaign seem rooted in a strategy of leveraging community sentiments to consolidate its voter base.
A significant aspect of AIMIM’s campaign is the nomination of former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain as the party’s candidate for the Mustafabad seat. Hussain, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, is an instrumental figure in Owaisi’s political strategy. Though Hussain has been embroiled in violence cases, he remains a prominent leader within the Muslim community in Mustafabad, a constituency with a substantial Muslim population.
Hussain’s entry into the AIMIM fold is seen as a calculated move by Owaisi, drawing on his local influence despite the controversies surrounding his involvement in the riots. His candidacy could help AIMIM tap into the disillusionment felt by some Muslims with the ruling AAP, especially among those who feel betrayed or underrepresented.
However, this decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, including members of the Muslim community, who argue that Hussain’s inclusion could further polarise the already fragmented political landscape. “We need leaders who will work for our welfare, not for personal gain,” said a resident of Mustafabad. “While Hussain has his base here, the communal baggage attached to him is not something we want to see in our politics.”
Owaisi’s party is not merely contesting seats for the sake of participation; it is attempting to peel away a significant portion of AAP’s Muslim vote base. Arvind Kejriwal’s party has long enjoyed the support of the Muslim community, especially in the aftermath of the 2020 Delhi riots, where Kejriwal’s appeals for unity and social harmony resonated with many voters.
However, AIMIM’s decision to field candidates has created a potential rift, with some Muslim voters feeling that AAP’s support is more symbolic than substantive. Critics of AAP argue that Kejriwal’s policies, particularly those related to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, have not adequately addressed the specific concerns of the Muslim community, such as unemployment, safety, and the restoration of peace after communal riots.
By contesting on Muslim-majority seats, Owaisi aims to present his party as the true representative of Muslim interests, capitalising on the perception that AAP, despite its outreach efforts, has failed to meet the expectations of the community.
The big question now is whether AIMIM will be able to significantly reduce AAP’s vote share, particularly in constituencies with large Muslim populations. While Owaisi’s rhetoric and political strategy have earned him a dedicated following, it remains to be seen whether he can translate this support into electoral victories.
There are indications that AIMIM’s presence in Delhi will indeed impact the election results, especially in constituencies where the Muslim vote is a deciding factor. However, the extent of this impact is still uncertain. AAP’s strong organisational network and Kejriwal’s image as a pro-minority leader may continue to attract a large number of Muslim votes, despite the challenge posed by AIMIM.
With Delhi’s political climate increasingly influenced by communal issues, the contest between AAP and AIMIM could also serve as a barometer for the growing role of religion in Indian politics.
The 2024 Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most contentious and closely watched in recent years, with the AIMIM providing a fresh challenge to the established political order. While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the political battle for Delhi’s Muslim-dominated constituencies is far from over.
If AIMIM succeeds in its bid, it will signal a shift in Muslim political mobilisation in India, one that may rival the influence of traditional parties like AAP and Congress. However, the political consequences of this challenge will also depend on how effectively the BJP and other parties respond to the growing religious divide.
