In a significant development ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday expressed his party’s desire to join the Mahagathbandhan alliance. Owaisi revealed that the AIMIM has formally written to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, requesting six seats for the party to contest in the upcoming polls. The move signals AIMIM’s continued focus on Bihar’s Seemanchal region, where it has previously won seats and aims to consolidate its influence among minority voters.
AIMIM’s Electoral Ambitions and Seemanchal Strategy
Speaking about the alliance proposal, Owaisi noted that the decision now rests with the RJD leadership. He warned that if the RJD does not accept the AIMIM’s request, the people of Bihar will witness the implications of the party aligning with the BJP. Reflecting on past electoral successes, Owaisi highlighted that in the 2020 Bihar elections, AIMIM secured five seats in Seemanchal. However, four of the elected MLAs later defected to the RJD, demonstrating the fluid political dynamics in the region. This historical context underscores AIMIM’s strategic aim to reclaim and strengthen its foothold in Bihar through a Mahagathbandhan partnership.
Owaisi’s outreach also emphasizes the growing importance of minority votes and regional representation in Bihar’s political calculus. By seeking a formal alliance, AIMIM aims to position itself as a decisive player in the coalition, capable of influencing outcomes in key constituencies. The proposal comes at a time when the Mahagathbandhan has yet to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement, highlighting ongoing negotiations and political maneuvering among its constituent parties.
BJP Flags Possible RJD-Congress Rift
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pointed to a potential rift within the Mahagathbandhan over the chief ministerial face. BJP leaders, including Patna MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, alleged that the Congress is reluctant to declare Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance’s CM candidate. According to the BJP, Congress is seeking to secure more seats from the RJD while simultaneously positioning itself as a parallel force in Bihar politics.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya further suggested that Congress and its allies may never formally recognize Tejashwi as the Mahagathbandhan’s CM face, creating internal tension within the alliance. He compared the unfolding scenario in Bihar to Congress’ earlier strategy in Delhi, where it distanced itself from the Aam Aadmi Party, signaling an intent to emerge as an independent political force rather than remain fully dependent on the RJD. Malviya argued that the Congress’ actions could lead to a split between the two parties either before or after the elections, potentially reshaping Bihar’s political landscape.
The seat-sharing arrangements within both the ruling NDA and the Mahagathbandhan remain undecided, adding further uncertainty to Bihar’s electoral strategy. With elections expected in October-November, the formation of alliances and the declaration of chief ministerial candidates are expected to play a critical role in shaping voter sentiment and influencing the outcome in the state.
Amid these developments, the political climate in Bihar continues to be dynamic, with parties negotiating alliances, staking claims to key constituencies, and strategizing to secure both regional influence and broader electoral victories. The engagement of smaller parties like AIMIM and the alleged tensions between major Mahagathbandhan allies underline the complex interplay of regional and national politics in Bihar ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
