AIMIM Demands Inclusion in Mahagathbandhan, Protests at Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Residence

Political maneuvering is intensifying in Bihar as the assembly elections draw closer. The AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has been actively seeking entry into the Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of opposition parties. However, the party has faced resistance from Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, with the Congress party also expressing reservations about including the AIMIM. To exert pressure, the AIMIM launched a new initiative. Akhtarul Iman, the Bihar state president of AIMIM, led a protest outside the residence of Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna, along with party supporters, to press for the AIMIM’s inclusion in the Mahagathbandhan. Iman argued that the dispersal of secular votes would indirectly benefit the BJP and called for unity among all parties for the upcoming elections. He also noted that the party’s efforts to deliver a letter to Lalu Yadav were unsuccessful, as no one was available to receive it. Following the demonstration, Iman voiced his displeasure over the lack of response, stating that their letter was not accepted. Addressing the media, AIMIM leaders and workers voiced their concerns, emphasizing the potential damage to the Mahagathbandhan if secular votes were split. Iman cautioned against the RJD blaming the AIMIM if the government was not formed after the elections, highlighting the AIMIM’s commitment to unite and counter the BJP. He attributed the failure of the alliance to the RJD’s position. The AIMIM had previously written to Mahagathbandhan leaders in July, but their proposal to join the alliance was rejected. After the rejection, the AIMIM announced that they would not be a part of the India alliance in the Bihar assembly elections. Akhtarul Iman reiterated the AIMIM’s resolve to contest the elections with strength and public backing.