OWAISI'S RISE A GROWING CHALLENGE FOR CONGRESS

AIMIM’s rise is eroding Congress’ minority vote bank, threatening its prospects in key Assembly and Lok Sabha seats.

- ANAND SINGH

The recent electoral performances of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Bihar and the Maharashtra civic elections have signalled the steady rise of Asaduddin Owaisi's party among minority voters, posing a fresh challenge for the Congress, which has traditionally relied on this constituency.

AIMIM’s growing footprint has unsettled the Congress leadership, particularly as minority voters appear increasingly willing to explore alternatives beyond the grand old party. For decades after Independence, minorities largely backed the Congress, but recent trends suggest that this loyalty can no longer be taken for granted.

While the Congress is attempting to rebuild its organisation through its Sangathan Srijan initiative and reclaim its traditional vote bank, party leaders privately concede that the task is becoming harder as AIMIM expands beyond its Hyderabad stronghold. Over the past few years, Owaisi’s party has made inroads into Bihar, Maharashtra and parts of Uttar Pradesh, altering established political equations.