In a significant political development, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) president Badruddin Ajmal declared on Saturday that his party is poised to surpass the Congress in Assam's political landscape. This bold prediction comes amid the grand-old party's disappointing performance in recent Bihar elections and the AIUDF's continued exclusion from Assam's newly formed eight-party opposition alliance led by Congress.
Exclusion from Alliance and Bihar Parallels
Ajmal issued a stern warning to the opposition coalition, suggesting they could face a similar fate as in Bihar if they continue to exclude AIUDF from their alliance. Drawing direct parallels with how Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM was sidelined in the Bihar elections, the AIUDF chief emphasized the potential consequences of leaving out significant regional players.
The AIUDF, despite having 15 MLAs - making it the second-largest opposition party in the Assam assembly - has remained isolated from the opposition alliance since 2021. This exclusion has raised questions about the Congress party's strategy and its approach toward Muslim-led political organizations.
Congress Strategy and Muslim Leadership
Ajmal expressed confusion over his party's exclusion, suggesting that Congress might be deliberately avoiding parties led by figures in traditional Muslim attire. He indicated that the party might fear that "dariwala and topiwala" leaders could affect their appeal to majority voters, highlighting what he perceives as strategic discrimination within the opposition camp.
Despite this exclusion, AIUDF maintains a strong presence in Muslim-majority areas across lower, central and southern Assam. The party's influence in these regions remains significant, potentially making them a crucial factor in any electoral calculation.
Solidarity with Owaisi and Seemanchal Success
Ajmal extended his congratulations to Asaduddin Owaisi for his party's success in Bihar's Seemanchal region, where Muslim voters play a decisive role. He announced plans to send a formal congratulatory letter to the AIMIM leader, demonstrating solidarity between the two Muslim-led parties.
Defending Owaisi against criticism, Ajmal asserted that the AIMIM leader is not communal, citing his role in international platforms and his secular stance on various issues, including Operation Sindoor. He argued that including Owaisi in the Bihar alliance could have significantly boosted the mahagathbandhan's seat tally in the Seemanchal region.
Ajmal described the ongoing conflict between Congress and AIMIM as unfortunate, suggesting that such divisions only weaken the opposition's chances against the ruling party. He emphasized the need for broader inclusion and cooperation among opposition parties to present a united front.
The AIUDF leader's statements come at a crucial juncture in Assam politics, where opposition unity is being tested and electoral strategies are being formulated for upcoming contests. With 15 MLAs already in the assembly and a strong base in key regions, AIUDF's positioning could significantly impact the political equations in the state.
