AIMIM Leader Criticizes RJD's Election Defeat: "Arrogance Led to Downfall in Bihar Assembly Elections"

Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has faced widespread ridicule following its disappointing performance in the assembly elections. Among the harshest critics was Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

Waris Pathan, a senior AIMIM leader, attributed the RJD's poor showing to their "arrogance." He revealed to reporters, "Initially, we approached them with an offer to contest together, but they displayed too much arrogance."

AIMIM is currently ahead in six constituencies, drawing significant support from Muslim voters in the Seemanchal region. Many observers view their success as having divided the traditionally solid Muslim backing for the RJD.

Pathan countered this narrative, stating, "The RJD and Congress themselves are responsible for splitting the minority votes." He emphasized that AIMIM had given them an opportunity for collaboration by "requesting only six seats from the Mahagathbandhan, but they declined."

"First in Maharashtra and now in Bihar, they labeled us as the B team (of the BJP) and subsequently faced defeat and humiliation," Pathan remarked.

The AIMIM leader further criticized the Grand Alliance's strategic decision to name Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani as the Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate.

"They selected a representative from a community with merely 2 percent voter base (as Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate)... while completely neglecting a community with 19 percent voter base, and the consequences are evident," he added.

Pathan drew a comparison with Maharashtra, where the BJP had appointed someone from a caste representing 14 percent of voters as Chief Minister.

The AIMIM leader also expressed dissatisfaction with Tejashwi Yadav's characterization of AIMIM chief Owaisi as an "extremist."

"Why make such comments? Is it simply because you saw a beard and cap that you label us extremists? Not only was Owaisi deeply offended, but all Muslims felt insulted. He should apologize to the entire Muslim community," Pathan demanded.

In a video clip shared by AIMIM on social media platform X, Tejashwi Yadav, when questioned about excluding Owaisi from the alliance, allegedly stated that "extremists have no place here." This prompted an angry response from the AIMIM chief, who accused the RJD leader of "adopting Pakistan's language."

The Opposition Mahagathbandhan is currently leading in only 34 seats in Bihar, while the NDA has secured over 200 seats in the 243-member assembly.