parties-chase-muslim-votes-sans-muslim-candidates-says-owaisi

In Maharashtra, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi has pointed out that while all political parties seek Muslim votes during the Lok Sabha elections, none of them have fielded candidates from the Muslim community.

Speaking at a rally in Amkhas Maidan, Owaisi emphasised that despite the eagerness to secure Muslim votes, none of the 48 seats in Maharashtra have candidates from the community. He further alleged that various parties have joined hands to defeat his party's Aurangabad MP Imtiaz Jaleel.

According to Owaisi, political parties in Maharashtra, including Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, are focused on thwarting Jaleel's victory, indicating a collective effort against him.

Owaisi specifically criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Chandrakant Khaire, highlighting his shift from a self-proclaimed Hindutva leader to appealing to Muslim voters by attending Idgah gatherings.

He pointed out the irony in politicians whose earlier rhetoric centred around communal divides now engaging with Muslim communities and discussing matters such as namaz.

Regarding Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Owaisi questioned his newfound secular stance, urging him to clarify his position on the Babri Masjid demolition and whether he considers it a wrongdoing or not.

Owaisi's remarks shed light on the complex dynamics of electoral politics in Maharashtra, where parties seek support from diverse communities while navigating their own ideological positions and alliances.