Reiterating his commitment to allying with Opposition parties prior to the forthcoming Bihar polls, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had a dig at the INDIA alliance, warning against post-election regrets in vibrant language: "no one should cry after the election and say, 'Mummy, they stole our chocolate.'"
Speaking to NDTV in an exclusive interview, Owaisi discussed questions on whether his party was looking to ally with the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.
Trynaubosthangi our state party chief, Akhtarul Imam. And I have requested him to his best efforts. No one should weep after the election, 'Mummy, mummy, they have stolen your chocolate'. If they are willing (for an alliance), I am willing. I don't wish to see the BJP-NDA coming back. But if they are not willing, then we would have to fight the election, isn't it?" he said.
The spiked "chocolate" comment seemed a coded shot at other Opposition parties, several of whom have targeted the AIMIM for allegedly backing the BJP indirectly through vote division — usually terming the party the saffron faction's "B-team."
Owaisi also asserted that the AIMIM has already declared two of its candidates — Bahadurganj and Dhaka — and stressed that the work for the elections is already well under way.
"Our candidates are putting in efforts. We will contest other seats also. They (Opposition parties) have to consider (whether they want the alliance or not). We will accelerate our preparations. Our candidates will win, remain with the party and work for the people," he further said.
The AIMIM leader further remembered that he had approached Opposition parties ahead of the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls with an intention to form a united front, but no consensus was reached.
With its strong influence among sections of the minority community, the AIMIM is being seen as a potential disruptor in the state’s political dynamics. Owaisi’s rising visibility, particularly after his vocal responses to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, has only expanded the party's reach in Bihar.
AIMIM fought 20 seats in 2020 and won five — a performance that surprised most political analysts. While four of those MLAs later turned coverts to the RJD, the result highlighted the party's increasing presence. If AIMIM fights independently this time, it can be a significant threat to the Opposition alliance by splitting the minority vote, a key consideration for the state.
And while the BJP-JDU coalition is keen to maintain its grip on power, it is being wooed by allies such as Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas) for good seat-sharing deals. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan is looking for a return to power. Another factor adding complexity to the political landscape is Jan Suraaj, a floated outfit by erstwhile poll strategist Prashant Kishor, which is also looking to make a big impact.
Read also| Indian Navy Welcomes INS Tamal, Equipped with BrahMos Missiles
