ECNETNews reports that Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is actively preparing for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. Party leaders assert that any potential alliances will be determined at the local level in due time.
On May 6, the Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to announce the long-awaited elections to local bodies within four weeks, mandating that polling be completed within four months. Consequently, all political parties are strategizing for the impending elections.
During its state executive meeting in Mumbai, AIMIM confirmed its intent to contest all forthcoming polls in Maharashtra. Imtiaz Jaleel, AIMIM state president, stated that they are evaluating available options for local-level alliances.
“We are assessing our strengths across various regions. We will participate in all elections. Alliance decisions will be made locally. We will not partner with Mahayuti. A party convention will soon take place in Maharashtra, featuring Asaduddin Owaisi. Our presence in the state is growing stronger, and this will become evident in the days to come,” Jaleel said.
The local body elections will see a high-stakes confrontation for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as major players like the BJP-led Mahayuti and the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, and NCP (Sharad Pawar), compete for Asia’s richest civic body.
Sources indicate that AIMIM aims to contest approximately 60 of the 227 seats within the BMC.
Imtiaz Jaleel also commended Owaisi for his recent remarks concerning Pakistan following tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
“Asaduddin Owaisi is garnering praise on social media. He condemned Pakistan on their ground 12 years ago, and now people are recognizing his stance,” Jaleel remarked, emphasizing that Operation Sindoor is being utilized for political gain.
“Those engaged in combat are soldiers, not affiliated with the BJP or the Congress,” he noted.
Additionally, senior AIMIM leader Waris Pathan voiced his concerns regarding the India-Pakistan conflict, criticizing Indian celebrities for their lack of support for the armed forces.
“Mahira Khan (Pakistani actress) is supporting her country. Where are our celebrities? We consider them gems and hold them in high regard. What are they doing to support the nation?” Pathan questioned.
“This transcends the BJP, Congress, or AIMIM; it’s about our country, and the celebrities remain silent,” he added.
