Should Bihar's AIMIM Join the INDIA Bloc? A Call to Lalu Prasad Yadav!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AIMIM is advocating for unity among minority and secular votes.
- The party is seeking an alliance with RJD to strengthen its political position.
- Challenges from communal forces are prompting AIMIM's call for collaboration.
- The demand for a Seemanchal Development Authority indicates a focus on regional development.
- AIMIM's previous electoral performance has significant implications for the current political landscape.
Patna, Sep 11 (NationPress) The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has initiated a striking campaign to forge an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in anticipation of the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for Thursday.
Under the leadership of state president Akhtarul Iman, AIMIM representatives descended upon Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence at 10 Circular Road, Patna, armed with posters and drums, demanding that the RJD welcome them into the fold.
Although security personnel prevented them from entering, their message resonated loudly.
AIMIM is eager to join the INDIA bloc to avert a division of minority and secular votes.
One of the eye-catching posters proclaimed: “A positive initiative of AIMIM to halt the fragmentation of secular votes. Lalu-Tejashwi, lend us your ears; drums are echoing at your doorstep. Open your door for an alliance, or risk having your MY equation exposed.”
Iman expressed that AIMIM has consistently attempted to connect with the RJD and other members of the INDIA bloc but has met with silence.
“We even conveyed a message through RJD MLAs, but the feedback was that AIMIM should refrain from contesting this time. Nevertheless, we remain open to collaboration, even with the party that absorbed four of our MLAs,” he stated, alluding to the RJD's inclusion of four AIMIM MLAs who won in the 2020 elections.
In the previous assembly elections, AIMIM secured five seats in Seemanchal, including Iman from Amaur, although four of those MLAs later aligned with the RJD.
Iman articulated three primary demands: allocation of six assembly seats for AIMIM, establishment of a Seemanchal Development Authority with a dedicated package, and reservation for Dalits and minorities based on population metrics.
Drawing a comparison to the February 2005 assembly election, Iman reminisced how Ram Vilas Paswan had offered support to Lalu Yadav if a minority candidate was appointed Chief Minister, a proposal that Lalu declined.
“The situation today mirrors that. He embraces BJP but turns away AIMIM from the INDIA Bloc,” Iman accused.
In a pointed remark directed at Tejashwi Yadav, he remarked: “The Leader of Opposition claims he is unaware of any correspondence from AIMIM. Influential figures often have thick skin. Hence, we have come with drums to announce our interest in joining the alliance to prevent the scattering of secular votes. If not, communal forces will gain, and the public will hold us liable.”
With minority votes regarded as pivotal in the Seemanchal region, AIMIM's bold display serves as a reminder of its 2020 performance, which disrupted RJD's numbers and complicated Tejashwi Yadav's quest for power.