Should Muslim Voters Heed Udit Raj's Warning as AIMIM Enters Bihar Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Udit Raj warns against vote splitting
- AIMIM aims to expand its influence in Bihar
- Election dates approach with two phases scheduled
- Potential for divided opposition votes
- Constituents urged to unite for effective representation
New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching rapidly, the announcement by AIMIM to vie for four seats in the Mithilanchal region has elicited strong responses from various political factions. On Wednesday, Congress leader Udit Raj urged Muslim voters to avoid splitting their ballots. He cautioned that it would be a “grave mistake” if they decided to support AIMIM.
Raj stated in an interview with IANS, “I urge Muslim voters; a mistake occurred last time, resulting in five years of suffering and hardship. This time, do not repeat that error. Ensure your vote remains unified.”
His comments were made following AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's recent announcement regarding the party's intention to contest four seats in the Mithilanchal region—Jale, Bisfi, Keoti, and Darbhanga town—during the upcoming elections. AIMIM had previously enjoyed success in the last Assembly elections, securing five seats in the Seemanchal region, and now aims to extend its influence.
In response to this development, Congress MP Manoj Kumar downplayed the significance of AIMIM's move, asserting, “They are free to contest in any area, whether it’s four seats or fifty. Everyone has the right to participate in a democracy. However, the people of Bihar will not be easily misled this time.”
AIMIM leader Owaisi made his announcement during a public rally at Kumrauli in the Jale constituency of Darbhanga district on October 6. “After Seemanchal, AIMIM will now compete in four seats in the Mithilanchal area,” he proclaimed, indicating the party's strategy to capitalize on past successes and expand its electoral reach in Bihar.
This development has ignited discussions about whether AIMIM's participation could lead to a division of the opposition vote, particularly among Muslim voters, a group that has historically supported the INDIA bloc led by parties such as RJD and Congress.
The elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote counting set for November 14.