Suspense over Owaisi party entering Bihar poll arena

Patna/Gaya: As the All India Majlis Ittihadul Musalemeen leader and fire brand Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad Asaduddin Owaisi is keeping his cards close to the chest, suspense continues about Owaisi’s Bihar agenda.

Though the Majlis founder and Owaisi’s father late Salauddin Owaisi restricted the Muslim centric party to the Old Hyderabad area, Asaduddin, of late has displayed national ambitions. In case Owaisi entered Bihar poll arena, he is likely to make things easier for the NDA as every vote polled by Owaisi party will be at the cost of the RJD-JD(U)- Congress combine.

Owaisi Party contested the Maharashtra assembly election winning two seats in the assembly. The Majlis was the runner up in two more assembly segments. Owaisi’s presence ensured the defeat of the Congress candidates in nearly two dozen constituencies of the Maharashtra assembly. Owaisi party also contested the Bangalore Municipal elections. Bihar and UP are said to be on the Majlis radar.

A few weeks back Owaisi made an exploratory visit to the Muslim dominated Seemanchal areas of Bihar.

When contacted former MLA Akhtarul Iman, Owaisi’s Bihar host during the exploratory visit told TOI on Wednesday that the Majlis leader has not taken the final call on contesting Bihar elections. As election in the Seemanchal is scheduled for the last phase, Owaisi did have the time needed to make a final decision, said Imaan.

A final decision was expected this weekend, said Imaan. Akhtarul Imaan, it may be recalled hit the headlines during the 2014 Parliamentary Election when he, as the JD-U official candidate withdrew from the contest a few days before polling to facilitate the victory of Congress candidate Maulana Israrul Haque. Earlier, Imaan was an RJD MLA from Kishanganj.

Courtesy: TNN