All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticised Opposition parties on Sunday (May 18), attributing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) consistent electoral victories to its consolidation of nearly 50 per cent of Hindu votes and the Opposition’s failure to counter effectively.
Speaking to PTI, the five-time Hyderabad MP dismissed accusations that his party acts as the BJP’s “B-team,” calling such claims a reflection of the Opposition’s “hatred” for AIMIM, which primarily represents Muslim interests.
Owaisi’s remarks come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, where his vocal condemnation of Pakistan has earned him unexpected social media support.
Opposition’s Electoral Failures and BJP’s Strategy
Owaisi argued that the BJP’s dominance stems from the Opposition’s inability to present a cohesive challenge.
“BJP is coming to power because the opposition is a failure (nakaam). BJP is winning elections because it has consolidated almost 50 per cent of the Hindu vote,” he told PTI.
He rejected claims that AIMIM’s participation in elections, such as contesting seats in Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Kishanganj in the 2024 Parliamentary elections, is responsible for the BJP’s success, which saw the party secure 240 seats. “How can you put the blame on me? If I contest a few seats, am I responsible for BJP’s 240 seats?” he questioned.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have accused Owaisi of splitting the anti-BJP vote, especially among Muslims, by expanding AIMIM’s presence beyond its Hyderabad stronghold.
However, Owaisi countered that such accusations reveal a deeper bias against Muslim political representation. “When every segment of society has a semblance of political leadership, and that’s acceptable, why don’t you want Muslims to have a political voice?” he asked, accusing Opposition parties of taking Muslim votes for granted while ignoring their concerns.
Muslim Marginalisation and Political Representation
Owaisi emphasised the underrepresentation of Muslims in Indian politics, noting that despite being the country’s largest minority group, they account for only 4 per cent of legislators in state assemblies and Parliament. He argued that this marginalisation hinders India’s goal of achieving “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. “India cannot become a developed nation by keeping such a large community marginalised and weak,” he said, urging political parties to move beyond treating Muslims as a vote bank and instead focus on their education, employment, and fair treatment.
He directed his critique at multiple parties, including the Congress, BJP, Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party (SP). “Yadav will be a leader, upper caste will be a leader, but a Musalmaan will be a beggar. How is that fair?” he challenged, highlighting the disparity in political leadership opportunities for Muslims compared to other communities.
Owaisi’s Rising Profile Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Owaisi’s comments coincide with his growing prominence on social media, sparked by his strong stance against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 20, 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. His condemnation of Pakistan’s actions, including during Operation Sindoor has resonated widely, even among netizens who typically oppose his ideology.
One X user remarked, “Jaisa hai, humara hai (however he is, he is ours),” daring Pakistani users to criticise Owaisi. His posts about a “flattened” Pakistani air base further fueled online support, with fans lauding his assertive rhetoric.
As part of a seven-member all-party delegation, Owaisi is set to visit partner countries to brief them on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Operation Sindoor. This role underscores his alignment with the Indian government’s stance on national security, despite his frequent criticism of the BJP’s alleged anti-Muslim policies. Owaisi has framed Pakistan’s actions as contrary to Islamic teachings, positioning himself as a vocal Muslim leader condemning terrorism.
Opposition’s Response and Political Context
The Congress and other Opposition parties have dismissed Owaisi’s attempts to expand AIMIM’s influence, arguing that his electoral interventions inadvertently aid the BJP. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM contested select seats, including Hyderabad, where Owaisi retained his seat, but the party’s broader impact remained limited. The BJP’s strong performance, securing 240 seats, has intensified debates over vote fragmentation, with Opposition leaders pointing fingers at AIMIM.
Meanwhile, recent political developments, such as the BJP’s lead in the ongoing Assam Panchayat polls as of May 18, 2025, reinforce Owaisi’s point about the party’s electoral strength. The Opposition’s struggle to consolidate non-BJP votes has been a recurring challenge, with parties like the SP and BSP also facing criticism for failing to unite diverse voter bases.
