MIM eyes Kurnool, Nizamabad districts

For almost half a decade the Old Hyderabad City has been the bastion of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM). The party is looking to grow beyond and is gearing up to widen its base in Telangana and Rayalaseema, which have sizeable Muslim population. MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, has declared his intent of expanding the base.

The MIM never had a pre-poll alliance with any party, as it was seen more concerned to protect its traditional base.

However, it always had tacit understanding with the Congress. Such is its domination in the Old City that no wave elsewhere in the State will have any impact there.

Owaisi, who is a powerful community voice at national level, is keen to take the party in other areas in the State and the country. Party sources point out how MIM changed the scene in Nanded (Maharashtra) by bagging 11 seats in last month's municipal elections. It has good presence in Telangana, in Anantapur district and some pockets of Rayalaseema.

In 2009, the party won seven City Assembly seats, its best-ever performance. It sees a potential to emerge king-maker in the event of a hung result. Muslims are about 10 per cent of the State's 8.46 crore population, 40 per cent of Hyderabad's nearly 80 lakh population and 15-25 per cent in some pockets of Telangana and Rayalaseema. Party is screening candidates likely to contest in Nizamabad and Kurnool districts.

MIM is looking beyond its traditional City seats, as it is confident of retaining the seven Assembly and one Lok Sabha seats.

At a recent meeting in Rajendranagar, Owaisi said the party would protect the Seemandhra people living in the region, a ploy to woo voters. It is looking at Jubilee Hills and Rajendranagar seats and may field Deepak Yadav (Jubilee Hills) and veteran Pasha Quadri (Rajendranagar). Altaf Rizvi may replace Quadri in Charminar Owaisi’s decision to contest the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat has turned the attention of all analysts. A few claim it might not pull off an upset, but will be a tough opponent.

According to MIM Facebook page, the constituency has 42 per cent Muslim voters.