The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) is gearing up to contest five out of Maharashtra’s 48 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections, according to party leader Dr Abdul Gaffar Quadri. Addressing a press conference in Bhiwandi, Quadri stated that the party plans to field candidates in North Mumbai, Dhule, Nanded, Bhiwandi, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar constituencies. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led party is currently conducting surveys in these areas to develop an effective electoral strategy.
Quadri criticized the opposition Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), labeling them as secular parties and alleging that they consider AIMIM as “untouchables.” He questioned the treatment of AIMIM by the so-called secular parties, pointing out discrepancies within the opposition INDIA alliance. Quadri also aimed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his recent alliance shift and criticized Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggesting that the state is heading towards a situation similar to Bihar.
Referring to the recent clashes in the Mira-Bhayander area of Thane district, Quadri raised concerns about the demolition of houses belonging to the minority community. He questioned whether similar actions would be taken against a BJP MLA accused of shooting at a Shiv Sena leader inside a police station in the district. BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad has been charged with attempt to murder and other offenses in the case.
