Amidst a shifting political landscape, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi delivered a stark message to Indian Muslims on Tuesday: Stop being vote banks for pseudo-secular outfits and build autonomous political power. The Hyderabad parliamentarian’s remarks came during a media interaction in the city.
Owaisi lambasted the futility of Muslim votes propping up parties that crumble against the BJP. ‘Decades of faith in these so-called secular forces brought zero development or end to discrimination,’ he said. ‘Look at Maharashtra, Bihar, Delhi, West Bengal – you voted for them, BJP won everywhere.’
He dissected opposition strategies: Kejriwal’s soft Hindutva in Delhi, Thackeray and NCP’s compromises in Maharashtra, and Mamata Banerjee’s vote-bank politics in Bengal. ‘Despite ruling 15 years, she ignored Muslims’ welfare in a state with massive Muslim concentrations – 60 majority seats, 20 with significant shares.’
The Trinamool rout, Owaisi argued, stemmed from voter fatigue, corruption scandals, CAA-NRC fears, and Muslim disillusionment. ‘Bengal’s voters handed power to BJP; hopefully, they’ll work for all sections and prevent marginalization.’ He debunked Mamata’s secular credentials, citing her past support for BJP candidates and flip-flops.
Pushing for self-reliance, Owaisi envisioned Muslim leaders advocating against injustice and driving local growth. He appreciated AIMIM’s West Bengal campaign, noting strong showings, and foresaw expansion in key districts. In Assam, he faulted Congress for splitting votes, praising AIUDF’s potential.
On NRC, Owaisi questioned Mamata and Stalin’s electoral losses in affected areas and advised caution, decoupling it firmly from citizenship while promoting voter list verification.
