- Owaisi campaign to support Badruddin Ajmal in Assam
- AIUDF aims to consolidate minority votes in key seats
Hyderabad, March 27: Asaduddin Owaisi is set to campaign for Badruddin Ajmal in Assam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The move aims to consolidate minority votes in key constituencies.
A senior party leader said on Friday that Owaisi will visit Assam on April 2 and 3. During this period, he is scheduled to address at least eight public meetings across different constituencies. The campaign will mainly focus on garnering support for Ajmal, who is contesting from the Binnakandi Assembly seat.
Owaisi’s participation is expected to add momentum to the campaign. It may especially influence minority-dominated areas where the All India United Democratic Front has traditionally held influence. His speeches are likely to target both the BJP and the Congress. Therefore, the campaign may position the AIUDF as a key regional force.
Meanwhile, Ajmal is seeking to retain his political relevance amid a changing electoral landscape. The AIUDF has been working to strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the polls. It continues to rely on its core support base.
In the 2016 Assam Assembly elections, the AIUDF emerged as a significant player by winning 13 seats. It became a principal opposition force in several minority-dominated constituencies. Later, in the 2021 elections, the party increased its tally to 16 seats by forming an alliance with the Congress-led “Mahajot”. However, the alliance fell short as the BJP-led coalition returned to power with a clear majority.
The AIUDF’s performance showed both its continued relevance and its challenges. Soon after the polls, Congress ended its alliance with the AIUDF. Both parties then contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently. The AIUDF failed to open its account in those polls.
Owaisi’s campaign could influence voter dynamics in select constituencies. However, its overall impact on the electoral outcome remains uncertain. The upcoming elections are expected to see intense competition, with parties increasing outreach efforts across Assam.
Polling for the 126-member Assembly will take place in a single phase on April 9. Counting is scheduled for May 4.