Asaduddin Owaisi Postpones Decision on Bihar Opposition Alliance Until Election Results

Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has indicated that any decision on joining Bihar's Opposition grand alliance in the event of a hung assembly will be determined "after the results" are announced on November 14.

In a conversation with NDTV's CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal during 'Walk The Talk,' Owaisi emphasized that his party's current focus is maximizing their candidates' electoral success.

"We will respond accordingly if a hung assembly situation emerges on November 14. Our primary goal now is ensuring our alliance candidates secure victories in as many constituencies as possible. The final results will reflect the will of Bihar's electorate," Owaisi stated.

The Opposition coalition comprises the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties as its principal members. Conversely, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) includes the BJP, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM).

During the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Owaisi's AIMIM fielded candidates in 19 constituencies and won five seats in the Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population. However, four AIMIM legislators subsequently defected to the Rashtriya Janata Dal. For the current election cycle, the Owaisi-led party has nominated 25 candidates.

The first phase of Bihar's Assembly elections recorded an unprecedented 64.66% voter turnout—the highest in the state's electoral history. The second phase of polling is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting set for November 14.

In his NDTV interview, Owaisi dismissed allegations from Opposition parties that AIMIM functions as the BJP's "B-team," suggesting these critics need to engage in "self-introspection." The Hyderabad MP challenged those accusing him of "spoiling the game" to participate in a televised debate on NDTV.

"They persistently label me a vote-cutter and B-team. Yet they fail to acknowledge that Narendra Modi has become prime minister three consecutive times. Who bears responsibility for that? If a political entity or alliance contests 450-500 seats yet faces defeat thrice, why deflect blame onto others? They should engage in self-reflection," he remarked.

Owaisi also rejected the BJP's accusation that Opposition parties exploit infiltrators for electoral advantage, countering that the NDA coalition in Bihar has maligned Muslims while disregarding their socioeconomic progress.