**Political Tensions Rise in Bihar Over AIMIM’s Exclusion from Grand Alliance**
A new political controversy has emerged in Bihar regarding the exclusion of Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). Key leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU) have publicly voiced their opposition to the party’s inclusion.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari supported Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh’s critical stance against AIMIM, labeling Owaisi’s party as the “B-Team of the BJP.” Tiwari stated, “Owaisi’s party has consistently worked to divide secular votes, thereby benefiting communal forces. Their track record speaks for itself. We don’t contest elections in Hyderabad, so why is Owaisi coming to Bihar? If he genuinely wants to support secular forces, he should declare that his party won’t contest elections here.”
JDU leader KC Tyagi echoed these sentiments, noting that both Congress and RJD are apprehensive about including AIMIM in the alliance. “The Congress and RJD are feeling uncomfortable about including Owaisi in their alliance. They believe it could lead to a division of votes, which is why they don’t want to take him along. The NDA doesn’t need him in any way,” Tyagi remarked. He further emphasized that Owaisi’s electoral success in 2020 indicated that his presence could split votes for the Mahagathbandhan.
Akhilesh Prasad Singh was even more forthright, questioning, “How can there be an alliance with a communal party like AIMIM? They have always helped the BJP.” These comments come shortly after AIMIM formally expressed interest in joining the Grand Alliance. In a letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, AIMIM’s Bihar unit president and MLA Akhtarul Iman urged for the party’s inclusion, stressing the importance of preventing a split in secular votes.
As the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections approach, several AIMIM leaders have publicly stated their desire to join the Grand Alliance, claiming ongoing discussions with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and Congress representatives. However, no significant progress has been made in these negotiations thus far.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is AIMIM excluded from the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar?**
A: AIMIM is excluded due to concerns from RJD and JDU leaders that its inclusion could lead to a division of secular votes, potentially benefiting communal forces.