AIMIM’s strategic move palpably shifts dynamics in the state’s electoral chessboard.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a move that has caught many by surprise, Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has made a significant shift in Bihar’s political milieu by contesting on eight seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, altering its earlier stance of contesting only from Kishanganj.
The decision to contest additional seats comes as a twist in the political narrative, particularly given AIMIM’s earlier abstention from fielding candidates in Muslim-dominated constituencies like Katihar and Araria. The sudden change in strategy has raised eyebrows and stirred discussions among political analysts.
Initially, AIMIM’s plan seemed to focus solely on Kishanganj, with indications suggesting a limited electoral engagement in the state. However, the party’s recent move to contest from Sheohar and announce candidates for other seats has sparked a lot of speculations.
The party’s decision to contest from seats like Sheohar has left many puzzled, especially considering the high Muslim voter population in constituencies like Araria and Katihar, where the party chose not to field candidates. The unexpected move has disappointed supporters in these areas, where Owaisi’s assertive stance resonates strongly.
The exclusion of Araria, a constituency where Sarfaraz Alam, son of former MP Taslimuddin, was ready to contest, has left many supporters disheartened. Despite the significant Muslim electorate, AIMIM’s absence from these constituencies has raised questions about the party’s strategic calculus.
The shift in AIMIM’s strategy raises questions about its internal dynamics and broader political alliances. Speculation was rife about a possible understanding between AIMIM and Mahagatbandhan, particularly after four AIMIM MLAs from Seemanchal joined the RJD in 2020. Amidst these developments, Owaisi’s active campaigning in Kishanganj and subsequent decision to contest from additional seats indicate a recalibration of AIMIM’s electoral approach.
By contesting from select constituencies, AIMIM appears to be positioning itself as a challenger to both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagatbandhan. However, a closer examination reveals that Owaisi’s primary target remains the NDA, as evidenced by the party’s avoidance of seats where anti-NDA votes could potentially be split.
Strategic Calculations
The selection of candidates in constituencies like Sheohar highlights AIMIM’s attempt to diversify its electoral appeal beyond Muslim-dominated areas. Fielding Rana Ranjit Singh from Sheohar, despite the relatively low Muslim voter population, underscores AIMIM’s strategic attempt to broaden its support base.
However, AIMIM faces challenges in constituencies like Sheohar, where its traditional Muslim vote bank may not be as influential. The party’s decision to contest against candidates like Lovely Anand of the JD (U) reflects its ambition to disrupt the electoral equations, albeit with uncertain outcomes.
AIMIM’s Electoral Canvas
Apart from Sheohar, AIMIM has announced its candidates for eight other seats: Gopalganj, Patliputra, Maharajganj, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Jehanabad, Karakat, and Valmikinagar. The impact of AIMIM’s entry into these constituencies remains to be seen, with the upcoming elections set to determine the electoral fortunes of all parties involved.
As Bihar braces itself for a fiercely contested electoral battle, AIMIM’s strategic manoeuvre adds a new dimension to the political landscape. The ensuing campaign and polling will unveil the extent of AIMIM’s influence and the implications of its electoral foray on Bihar’s political trajectory.
