AIMIM and AAP Gear Up for Bihar Assembly Elections

NEW DELHI: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced its first list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, which includes two non-Muslim candidates. This move, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, aims to broaden the party's appeal beyond its traditional Muslim voter base. The candidates, Rana Ranjit Singh from Dhaka and Manoj Kumar Das from Sikandra, reflect AIMIM's strategy to position itself as a multi-community platform focused on social justice. Owaisi's party plans to contest 100 seats in the elections after being overlooked by the Mahagathbandhan alliance. In the previous assembly elections, AIMIM won five seats, all from the Muslim-majority Seemanchal region. This time, the party intends to expand its reach into North and South Bihar.

AIMIM's state president, Akhtarul Iman, stated, "Our plan is to contest 100 seats. Both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan will be forced to realise our presence." He also mentioned that the party had previously expressed interest in joining the INDIA bloc but received no response. The inclusion of non-Muslim candidates is part of Owaisi's effort to connect with marginalised communities, including Dalits and OBCs, and to challenge the existing political dynamics in Bihar.

In a separate development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its fourth list of 12 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, set to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. The candidates will file their nominations on Monday, the last day for submissions for the second phase. Notable candidates include Kumar Kunal from Madhubani and Rani Devi from Sitamarhi. AAP is contesting independently this time, without forming any alliances, and faces stiff competition from established parties like the BJP, JD(U), and RJD.

Earlier, AAP had announced its third list of 50 candidates and a roster of star campaigners, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The election results will be declared on November 14, marking a significant political event in Bihar as various parties vie for influence in the state.