Surprising Alliance Between Congress and AIMIM in Telangana Raises Concerns Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
Hyderabad: One of the more unexpected developments in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is the newly formed alliance between the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Telangana. Traditionally known for aligning with the ruling party, the AIMIM’s support for Congress has sparked debate among Congress leaders, some of whom view the alliance as a potential risk that could backfire.
During the final day of election campaigns, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, without directly naming anyone, urged Muslim voters to support Congress candidates in certain Lok Sabha constituencies within Telangana, which has 17 parliamentary seats. This move marked a significant shift in AIMIM’s stance, indicating a departure from their previous support of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
A Congress leader, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns that Owaisi’s endorsement of Congress could consolidate Hindu votes in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), potentially allowing the BJP to secure up to eight seats. “From the beginning, some of us opposed an alliance with AIMIM, preferring instead tactical support from the outside,” the leader stated.
The leader further revealed that while Congress leaders in Delhi were initially against the collaboration with AIMIM, Telangana Chief Minister and state party president Revanth Reddy advocated for the partnership. “Reddy persuaded them to approve the alliance with AIMIM. If we secure 10 seats, it will be deemed successful, but if Congress and BJP end up with similar numbers, there will be significant changes within the party,” the leader added.
The Congress in Telangana sought AIMIM’s support to garner substantial Muslim votes, especially in constituencies outside Hyderabad where the Muslim vote share is significant.
It is widely known that Revanth Reddy and former party chief and state minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy do not share a cordial relationship. Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with others, has reportedly been eyeing the chief minister’s position. Despite this internal discord, Revanth Reddy has maintained his position and the party, which secured 64 seats, has witnessed defections from the BRS. The Congress leader indicated that more BRS MLAs might defect after the Lok Sabha election results.
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the Congress, BJP, and BRS are anticipated to engage in a three-way contest. The AIMIM is expected to retain the Hyderabad parliamentary seat, which it has held since 1984. Following its victory in the Telangana Assembly polls last December, the Congress aims to leverage its success to win additional seats.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BRS secured nine seats, while the Congress, BJP, and AIMIM won three, four, and one seat, respectively.
