Identity politics to change Bengal’s electoral landscape

POLARISATION VS FRAGMENTATION

- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by five-time Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad Asaduddin Owaisi, has again set its focus on the Muslim dominated constituencies in West Bengal after the Bihar mandate.

In 2020-21, following the party’s five-seat toehold in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi had turned his attention towards West Bengal election.

But he later learnt that Hyderabadi Biriyani, a delicacy from the region where his party is based, cannot be served in a state that favours the Avadhi variety.

Thus, he sought out a local chef who could tweak it to suit local palate. The AIMIM leadership approached Pirzada Abbas Siddiqui, founder of the just-then-launched India Secular Front (ISF).

The meeting went well, but the Pirzada was intent on allying with the Congress and Left Front against the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

This grouping was not too hopeful of AIMIM finding favour among Bengali Muslims whose language and culture were different.