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MIM looking to expand in Seemandhra
MIM looking to expand in Seemandhra, All-India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, MIM Party. It is said that in Kadapa and Rayachoti constituencies (Kadapa district), support of Muslim voters is a must for any candidate to win.
- Weighing chances in Rayalaseema with Muslim voters
- Eyeing areas which fielded minority nominees
The All-India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) party, hitherto restricted to Hyderabad, is focusing on expanding in Seemandhra following the State’s bifurcation. Though such prospects are not bright, it is weighing chances in Rayalaseema which has many Muslim voters.
Asaduddin Owaisi, party chief, has already toured Rayalaseema over the last two months and held discussions with prospective candidates and community elders. In earlier elections, Muslim nominees fielded by other parties in the region had won. Now MIM has taken up the task of bolstering the party in such constituencies.
Madanapalle constituency in Chittoor district has many Muslim voters. Shahjahan Basha (Cong) won the seat in the last elections. Hence MIM is focusing on the constituency. Besides, Asad’s brother Akbaruddin wants a candidate fielded.
It is said that in Kadapa and Rayachoti constituencies (Kadapa district), support of Muslim voters is a must for any candidate to win. Syed Mohd. Ahmadullah, Minorities Welfare Minister, had won from Kadapa in 2009, prompting MIM is eye it with interest.
Adoni (Kurnool), Kadiri, Hindupur and Guntakal (Anantapur) areas also have substantial Muslim presence, from where MIM is planning to field candidates. In Nellore district, the party does not have significant presence. Other parties are planning to allot the municipal chairman’s post to a Muslim. In view of this, MIM entrusted the district party affairs to a former CPM leader. The MIM leaders are aware that it does not have a chance in Rayalaseema if it contests on its own. Therefore, it is trying for alliances following which the party may demand at least one seat in each Rayalaseema district.
Analysts do not rule out a MIM-Congress alliance, as the latter will need Muslim votes in the face of a virtual wipe-out in Seemandhra. This may force Congress to yield to MIM.
