Owaisi opens alliance door in UP; Congress warns AIMIM could end up helping BJP
Congress MP Imran Masood has criticized AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's offer to form an alliance for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Masood warned that AIMIM's participation could split the opposition vote and ultimately benefit the BJP.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the strategic challenges of opposition unity in Indian state elections and the potential impact of smaller parties on electoral outcomes.
NEW DELHI: With Uttar Pradesh gearing up for the 2027 assembly elections, Congress MP Imran Masood on Monday took a swipe at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's alliance pitch, warning that the party's presence in the polls "would end up benefitting BJP."His remarks came a day after Owaisi said AIMIM was open to an alliance with "like-minded" parties seeking to prevent the BJP from returning to power in Uttar Pradesh for a third consecutive term.Speaking to ANI, Masood said, "If an alliance is to be formed, it should be finalised; otherwise, we must proceed with our own preparations. The political climate, not just here, but across the entire country, is such that one cannot move forward without the Congress; the Congress is essential. A fight against the BJP can only be waged with the Congress; only the Congress can take them on.""Rahul Gandhi's leadership is capable of overcoming them.
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