Amid intensifying political activity ahead of upcoming elections, Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday and launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Owaisi’s visit comes in the backdrop of persistent allegations by opposition parties, including the Congress, that AIMIM acts as the “B-team” of the BJP—charges the party has repeatedly denied. Despite such criticism, AIMIM has continued to expand its footprint, recently winning six seats in the Bihar elections.
During his Kolkata visit, Owaisi extended support to regional leader Humayun Kabir and his Janata Unnayan Party, signaling a strategic alliance ahead of the polls. Addressing the media, Owaisi questioned Mamata’s outreach to Muslims, asking whether symbolic gestures—such as attending Eid prayers—had translated into tangible socio-economic benefits for the community.
Responding to Mamata’s recent remarks suggesting instability in her absence, Owaisi termed the statement “arrogant” and “elitist.” He asserted that Muslims in Bengal “do not rely on any individual leader” but on their faith, adding that the community existed long before current political leadership and would continue to do so.
He further criticised Mamata’s past political associations, alleging that her continued presence in the NDA following the Godhra train burning raised questions about her commitment to minority welfare.
Owaisi backed his claims with data, highlighting what he described as the backwardness of Muslims in West Bengal. According to him, only about 8 per cent of Muslims in the state access higher education, while government employment stands at around 6 per cent. He contrasted this with states like Telangana, where minority participation in education is comparatively higher.
Owaisi emphasised that electoral politics cannot rely solely on development indices but must address “political empowerment.” He argued that Muslims in Bengal have been “used” as a vote bank without being given real authority, alleging that minority leaders within the ruling party lack substantive power.
Citing findings from the Sachar Committee, he reiterated that the marginalization of Muslims dates back to the Left Front era and continues to affect their socio-economic progress.
As part of his political outreach, Owaisi unveiled the election symbol — a “whistle” — for Humayun Kabir’s party and announced plans to return to Bengal on April 1 to address a rally in Behrampur, Murshidabad. He clarified that AIMIM would contest only a limited number of seats, while its ally would field candidates in most constituencies.
The AIMIM had earlier attempted to enter West Bengal’s political landscape during the 2021 Assembly elections but failed to make significant gains. With renewed alliances and a sharpened campaign narrative, Owaisi signaled a fresh push to position AIMIM as a voice for minority political empowerment in Bengal’s evolving electoral landscape.
Also read: Opposition slams Owaisi-Kabir tie-up, fears vote split in Bengal
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