**AIMIM Prepares for Local Body Elections in Maharashtra**
Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is actively preparing for the forthcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, strategizing to find a winning formula. Party leaders have indicated that any potential alliances will be determined at the local level as the elections approach. Following a Supreme Court directive on May 6, the Maharashtra State Election Commission is expected to announce the long-awaited local body elections within four weeks, with polling to be completed within four months. This has prompted all political parties to begin formulating their strategies.
During a recent state executive meeting in Mumbai, AIMIM confirmed its intention to contest all upcoming elections in Maharashtra. Imtiaz Jaleel, the state president of AIMIM, stated that the party is evaluating its strengths in various regions and will make decisions regarding alliances locally. “We will not align with Mahayuti. A party convention will soon be held in Maharashtra, featuring Asaduddin Owaisi, as we work to strengthen our presence in the state,” Jaleel remarked.
The local body elections will see intense competition, particularly for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where major contenders, including the BJP-led Mahayuti and the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, will vie for control of Asia’s richest civic body. Sources indicate that AIMIM aims to contest approximately 60 out of the 227 seats in the BMC.
In a conversation with media, Jaleel praised Owaisi for his recent comments regarding Pakistan amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. “Owaisi’s stance is being recognized on social media. He condemned Pakistan on their own soil 12 years ago, and now people are acknowledging his efforts,” Jaleel noted, while also addressing the politicization of Operation Sindoor.
Additionally, senior AIMIM leader Waris Pathan criticized Indian celebrities for their lack of support for the armed forces during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. “While Mahira Khan supports her country, where are our celebrities? We hold them in high regard, yet they remain silent when it comes to national support,” Pathan questioned, emphasizing that the issue transcends political affiliations and is fundamentally about national pride.
As AIMIM gears up for the elections, the party’s strategies and public sentiments will play a crucial role in shaping its future in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is AIMIM’s strategy for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra?**
A: AIMIM plans to contest all upcoming elections in Maharashtra, evaluating local alliances while focusing on strengthening its presence in the state.