Former All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar formally joined the Indian National Congress on Wednesday, 3 September at the party's headquarters in New Delhi, declaring that Muslims place their trust in whoever demonstrates the strongest capacity to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the ballot box. His defection marks a notable shift for a figure who had publicly championed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi even while remaining within the AIMIM fold.

What Waqar Said on Muslim Political Allegiance

Speaking to reporters after the joining ceremony, Waqar articulated his position plainly. 'Muslims have faith in everyone who has the ability to take on and defeat the BJP. I believe that across India, if there is anyone who wants to defeat the BJP the most, it is Muslims... I am also a Muslim, and I have the same inclination to defeat the BJP. I stand with whoever appears strong,' he said.

The statement reflects a transactional view of minority political alignment that has defined opposition coalition-building in recent election cycles — one in which ideological proximity matters less than perceived electoral viability against the ruling party.

His Stance on Reservation

On the politically charged debate over reservation, Waqar called for need-based eligibility across communities. 'Every caste and religion that is deserving of reservation should get it. Those who cannot manage without reservation should get it. If I cannot afford food and am dying of hunger, if my children cannot study, if I do not have a house, clothes or shoes, then I expect that I should get reservation,' he said.

The remarks come as the reservation debate has intensified nationally, with multiple parties staking out positions ahead of upcoming state elections.

A Long-Standing Rahul Gandhi Advocate

Waqar disclosed that he had been publicly advocating for Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to become Prime Minister for the past five years — even during his time in AIMIM, a party that often positions itself as an independent Muslim political voice distinct from the Congress. 'I considered Rahul Gandhi the country's future Prime Minister even when I was in AIMIM. Questions were raised over this. I fought for Congress despite being in the AIMIM at that time,' he said.

Notably, this public alignment with a rival party while holding AIMIM membership had reportedly drawn internal criticism, making his formal switch to Congress a culmination of a long-diverging trajectory.

Congress Leaders Welcome the Move

The joining ceremony was attended by Uttar Pradesh Congress In-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, State Congress President Ajay Rai, and Congress Minority Department Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi. Pratapgarhi described Waqar as 'an articulate spokesperson' whose entry would 'strengthen the voices of secular forces.' Rai added that Waqar 'puts forward his views strongly' and had 'trusted Rahul Gandhi' in making the switch.

The Congress has been actively expanding its minority outreach ahead of key state assembly contests, and Waqar's profile as a vocal former AIMIM figure is expected to lend the party additional credibility among Muslim voters in Uttar Pradesh. Whether his joining translates into measurable electoral gains will be tested in the months ahead.