'Ready to Ally to Stop BJP': Owaisi Proposes SP Pact in UP
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi proposes an alliance with Samajwadi Party to prevent BJP from winning a third term in Uttar Pradesh.
In a major political move ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has extended an olive branch to the Samajwadi Party (SP). Speaking at a massive public gathering in Shravasti district, Owaisi expressed his party's readiness to enter into an alliance with the SP, provided the primary objective is to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from securing a third consecutive term in the state.
A Strategic Hand Extended, Not a Sign of Weakness
Addressing a crowd in Bhinga, Owaisi made it clear that his offer was a calculated political decision rather than a desperate plea. He emphasized that the goal is to stop the current leadership from returning to power.
“I have said many times, and I am saying it again today. If they want to stop the BJP, Owaisi and Majlis are ready to form an alliance, to make an agreement, so that Baba does not become the Chief Minister here for the third time,” Owaisi stated.
He further cautioned that this gesture should not be misconstrued as a sign of vulnerability. “This is not a sign of weakness. This is a sign of our strength and courage that we are extending our hand towards you. If you reject this hand, then listen, SP people, these hands are very long,” he added, warning that if the SP declines the deal, the AIMIM will contest the elections independently.
Candidate Announcement and Local Grievances
During his visit, Owaisi also signaled his party's intentions for the Bhinga Assembly seat. He sought the public's blessing to field Daddan Khan as the AIMIM candidate, asserting that Khan would be a strong voice for the people in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.
The AIMIM leader launched a scathing attack on both the ruling BJP and the opposition SP regarding the developmental neglect of the region. He raised critical concerns over:
- The demolition of madrasas and alleged destruction of graveyards and shrines.
- The lack of political representation for marginalized communities.
- Severe poverty and low literacy rates in the Shravasti district.
- The scarcity of basic amenities like electricity and clean drinking water.
Challenging the 'Vote Cutter' Narrative
Owaisi also addressed the frequent accusations from the Samajwadi Party that the AIMIM exists merely to split the opposition vote. He rejected this premise entirely, framing his party's participation as a vital component of a healthy democracy.
“This is not your feast, and we are not guests at your feast. This is the fair of Indian democracy,” he remarked. He urged voters to move beyond the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option and instead cast their votes for the AIMIM's election symbol, the kite.
Highlighting Shravasti's Hardships
Citing data attributed to NITI Aayog, Owaisi painted a grim picture of the socio-economic state of Shravasti. He noted that approximately 75 per cent of the district's population lives in poverty according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index. He questioned why the government and local representatives have failed to address the prolonged power cuts, flood issues, and the lack of fundamental infrastructure that continues to plague the residents.