AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched his Bihar poll campaign questioning why the state cannot have a Muslim chief minister, accusing both NDA and INDIA bloc of sidelining the 17% Muslim population.

Owaisi Launches Bihar Campaign, Raises Muslim Representation Issue

Gopalganj: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi opened his party’s campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections with a sharp question Why can’t Bihar have a Muslim Chief Minister?” Addressing a public rally near Gopalganj, the Hyderabad MP said that despite forming 17% of the state’s population, Muslims have been denied fair representation by both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Owaisi criticised both alliances for “exploiting Muslim votes” while offering little in return. He accused the Congress, RJD, and Samajwadi Party of using fear of the BJP to secure minority support but failing to provide political inclusion or leadership roles.

Without naming directly, he took aim at the INDIA bloc’s decision to project Tejashwi Yadav as its CM candidate while offering the deputy post to Mukesh Sahni, who represents a much smaller community share. “They promise deputy CM posts for 3%, but can’t consider 17% for CM,” he remarked.

Turning his fire on the BJP, Owaisi alleged that the saffron party practices exclusion, pointing out that it rarely fields Muslim candidates. He also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of using divisive language in his speeches and demanded accountability for border “infiltration” claims.

The AIMIM leader also took digs at Prime Minister Modi, Nitish Kumar, and Lalu Prasad, saying their political priorities serve personal interests over public welfare. “There’s no leader whose heart truly beats for the people,” Owaisi said.

Analysis

Owaisi’s remarks highlight the emerging identity politics in Bihar’s election landscape, where minority representation and regional grievances are shaping narratives beyond traditional caste lines. Political analysts say his strategy aims to carve a distinct space for AIMIM among Muslim and marginalized voters, potentially disrupting the equation of both major alliances.

For Bihar’s voters, the speech served as both a challenge to established parties and a call for independent Muslim political assertion, marking the start of a combative campaign season.