Article Today, Patna:
The political dynamics in Bihar are shifting ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, with Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerging as a potential game-changer. The party’s decision to contest 64 seats is expected to fragment the Muslim vote that has long supported the Mahagathbandhan, indirectly benefiting the BJP-led NDA alliance. Political observers warn that this vote split could tilt the balance in several key constituencies across Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions.
A Third Front Emerges
After failing to secure a seat-sharing deal with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, AIMIM has joined hands with smaller groups to form the Grand Democratic Alliance. The new front includes the Azad Samaj Party and other regional outfits. AIMIM will contest 35 seats while its allies will field candidates in 29 constituencies. Concentrating on districts with significant Muslim populations such as Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Araria, the alliance aims to expand its presence beyond symbolic representation and assert itself as a decisive political force.
Three-Cornered Contest in Key Regions
With the entry of the Grand Democratic Alliance and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party contesting all 243 seats, the Bihar elections are shaping into a three-cornered fight. Although AIMIM’s previous foray in 2020 fetched five seats — most of which later merged with the RJD — the party hopes to regain lost ground. Analysts believe that even limited success in minority-dominated constituencies could erode the Mahagathbandhan’s edge, thereby strengthening the NDA’s prospects.
Owaisi Targets Tejashwi’s Promises
AIMIM’s campaign strategy extends beyond vote mobilisation. Mr. Owaisi has launched a sharp critique of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s promise to provide government jobs to Bihar’s youth, calling it unrealistic and populist. “Money does not grow on trees,” he remarked at a recent rally, questioning how such commitments could be implemented. The comments appear designed to undermine confidence in the Mahagathbandhan’s economic promises while resonating with unemployed youth frustrated by unfulfilled assurances.
Minority Voters at the Centre of Strategy
The AIMIM leadership has argued that major secular parties have consistently failed to represent Muslim aspirations within their ranks. By fielding its own candidates, the party seeks to channel dissatisfaction among minority voters into political strength. This appeal, analysts say, could weaken the RJD-Congress-Left alliance in pockets where the Muslim vote has traditionally been decisive.
Implications for Bihar Politics
While AIMIM’s expansion may not dramatically alter seat arithmetic across the State, its impact on closely contested constituencies could be significant. A divided opposition vote would likely bolster the NDA’s position, especially in northern and eastern districts. The evolving contest underscores the growing importance of regional and community-based formations in shaping Bihar’s electoral outcomes. As campaigning intensifies, all major alliances face the task of redefining strategies to navigate a more fragmented political field.
