Daijiworld Media Network - National
Rampur, Oct 19: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised dynastic politics, saying his party will not make any Nehru, Gandhi or Yadav its leader and will instead provide opportunities for young Muslim men and women to rise through its ranks.
Owaisi made the remarks at an event in Rampur as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The AIMIM is looking to expand its presence in the state and is reportedly eyeing around 200 seats.
Addressing the gathering, Owaisi said Muslim youth possessed the talent and ability to lead but were often denied opportunities to demonstrate their potential in politics.
“We will not make any Nehru, Gandhi, or Yadav our leader. AIMIM is giving young Muslims an opportunity,” he said, asserting that the party would encourage young men and women to take up leadership roles.
“These young sons and daughters will stand in our ranks,” Owaisi said, adding that they should take responsibility for the country and work towards securing justice for the oppressed.
Owaisi's visit has drawn attention to the AIMIM's possible impact on the state's electoral calculations, particularly in constituencies with sizeable Muslim populations.
Apna Dal (S) MLA Shafiq Ahmed Ansari had said ahead of the rally that the AIMIM was seeking to expand its political footprint and that Owaisi's presence could affect his party's electoral prospects.
Ansari also claimed that he enjoyed support across communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.
Owaisi has repeatedly expressed his willingness to join hands with opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP), to challenge the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections.
However, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has indicated that his party intends to continue with its existing alliance partners.
The AIMIM has a limited electoral presence in Uttar Pradesh and has frequently faced allegations from opposition leaders that it indirectly benefits the BJP by splitting anti-BJP votes.
Owaisi has rejected these allegations and maintained that his party seeks to provide political representation to communities and sections that he believes remain underrepresented.