Opposition Divide Widens as Owaisi Targets SP and Congress Over Muslim Leadership

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched an attack on the Samajwadi Party and Congress ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, stating that Muslims do not require another Gandhi or Nehru and must instead build their own political leadership. Addressing a public gathering in Azamgarh, a known stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, Owaisi questioned why leaders from within the community are sidelined and urged voters not to accept political subservience. He targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleging exploitation of the Muslim vote bank without providing genuine political empowerment. The remarks follow the refusal of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party to form an alliance with AIMIM, with opposition parties often alleging that AIMIM divides votes to benefit rivals. Owaisi maintained that mainstream parties merely seek votes while ignoring minority representation, highlighting historical and contemporary examples to argue for independent community representation in the upcoming assembly elections.