With Bihar’s assembly elections approaching, the political landscape is witnessing significant activity. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has been attempting to join the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), a coalition of opposition parties. However, the party has yet to receive a favorable response from Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. The Congress party also appears hesitant to include the AIMIM. In an effort to pressure the Mahagathbandhan, the AIMIM initiated a new campaign. AIMIM’s Bihar state president, Akhtarul Iman, along with supporters, demonstrated outside Lalu Prasad Yadav’s residence in Patna, demanding the party’s inclusion in the Mahagathbandhan. Iman stated that the fragmentation of secular votes would benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and urged all parties to unite for the elections. The AIMIM delegation attempted to submit a letter to Lalu Prasad Yadav, but no one was present to receive it. Iman expressed disappointment over the lack of reception and stated that their letter was not even accepted. AIMIM leaders and workers addressed the media, emphasizing that the Mahagathbandhan would suffer if secular votes were divided, indirectly aiding the BJP. Iman warned against the RJD blaming the AIMIM if the Mahagathbandhan failed to form a government after the elections, asserting that the AIMIM has consistently aimed to unite and counter the BJP. He attributed the lack of a coalition to the RJD’s stance. The AIMIM had previously written to several Mahagathbandhan leaders in July, proposing to join the alliance, but the proposal was rejected. Following the rejection, the AIMIM announced that it would not be a part of the India alliance in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Akhtarul Iman reiterated that the AIMIM would contest the elections with determination and public support.
