Owaisi says ‘Abdul can be CM’. Then why is Aazad his alliance’s UP CM face?
On November 12, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi used X to say, "Abdul sirf puncture hi kyun banaye, woh mukhyamantri bhi ban sakta hai (Why should Abdul only repair punctures? He can become the chief minister too)." This comment referred to a stereotype often pushed by Hindutva supporters who argue that Muslims could also become chief ministers.
Two days later, Owaisi announced an alliance with the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, naming Chandra Shekhar Aazad as the CM face of the Social Change Front (SPM). This move has left AIMIM leaders trying to explain their decision. Owaisi has defended the move, stating it is about equality and equity.
Aazad, in a recent interview, promised to ensure free and fair education, healthcare for all, and prohibition if he becomes the CM. AIMIM and the Azad Samaj Party offer different justifications for the alliance. AIMIM leaders argue that the SPM has the numbers and political chemistry to ensure representation for both Muslims and Dalits, who together make up around 40% of Uttar Pradesh's population.
However, another AIMIM leader said the party had previously offered an alliance to the Samajwadi Party based on the demand for political representation. If SP had accepted, the chief ministerial face would have come from the SP. Azad Samaj Party leaders are more direct, citing Aazad's popularity and Dalit credentials, and his previous success in Uttar Pradesh.
They also argue that projecting a Muslim leader could have led to increased communal polarization, pushing Dalit voters towards the BJP.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
