Owaisi Launches AIMIM’s 2027 UP Poll Campaign from Bahraich, Calls for Independent Political Leadership for Marginalised Communities

Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday formally kicked off his party’s campaign for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections from Bahraich, using the occasion to advocate the emergence of an independent political leadership representing Muslims and other socially and economically marginalised sections of society.

During the rally, Owaisi also announced Shaukat Ali, the AIMIM’s Uttar Pradesh unit president, as the party’s candidate from the Matera Assembly constituency in Bahraich.

The declaration marked the beginning of AIMIM’s efforts to strengthen its organisational and electoral presence in the state ahead of the next Assembly elections.

Addressing a large gathering in a region widely regarded as a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Owaisi urged voters to invest their faith in AIMIM rather than depending on leaders elected under the banners of larger political parties.

He argued that the time had come for communities that often feel underrepresented in mainstream politics to build and strengthen their own political leadership.

Emphasising the importance of political self-representation, Owaisi said that the upcoming Assembly elections presented an opportunity for people to create a leadership structure that genuinely reflected their aspirations and concerns.

He expressed confidence that AIMIM’s growing presence would significantly reshape the political dynamics of both Bahraich and Uttar Pradesh in the run-up to the 2027 polls.

Drawing inspiration from the Constitution and the ideals of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Owaisi stressed that meaningful social and economic progress could not be achieved without political empowerment.

According to him, political justice serves as the foundation upon which social equality and economic opportunities are built.

He told supporters that communities seeking social dignity and economic advancement must first ensure that they have a strong and effective political voice.

Owaisi encouraged voters to use their democratic power not merely to elect representatives but to strengthen leadership that emerges from within their own communities.

Positioning AIMIM as a willing participant in broader efforts to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Owaisi stated that the responsibility of opposing the ruling party should not fall solely on the shoulders of Muslims.

However, he clarified that any future political partnership or alliance would need to be based on mutual respect, dignity, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes rather than symbolic inclusion.

He said AIMIM was prepared to support any political force genuinely committed to stopping the BJP, but insisted that such cooperation must ensure fair representation and an equitable role in shaping political strategies and policies.

The AIMIM chief also launched a sharp attack on BJP governments, accusing them of disproportionately targeting minority communities through bulldozer-driven demolition actions and police encounter operations.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh’s encounter policy, he claimed that more than 17,000 encounters had taken place and argued that governance should be guided by constitutional principles and the rule of law rather than coercive measures.

Owaisi further questioned the state government’s position on cow protection, alleging a contradiction between its public rhetoric on the issue and the continued operation of the meat export industry within the state.

Invoking Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion, Owaisi also commented on the ongoing Sambhal mosque controversy.

He defended the right of citizens to openly express and practise their religious beliefs and identities without fear or discrimination.

The AIMIM leader additionally criticised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over recent political remarks and raised concerns regarding justice for victims of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

He argued that unresolved issues related to the riots continued to hold significance for many affected families and communities.

Rejecting allegations by the Samajwadi Party that AIMIM’s participation in elections indirectly benefits the BJP, Owaisi dismissed the charge as politically motivated.

He responded to claims made by SP leaders that his presence in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape helps the ruling party electorally.

Turning his attention to local politics, Owaisi questioned the performance of former MLA Yasir Shah and members of his family.

He argued that voters had repeatedly supported them for several decades but had not witnessed the level of development and progress they were promised.

He urged residents to reassess their political choices and support a leadership that, in his view, would be more accountable to public expectations.

With the launch of the campaign in Bahraich, AIMIM has signalled its intention to play a more assertive role in Uttar Pradesh politics, positioning itself as a platform for communities seeking greater political representation and influence in the state’s future electoral landscape.