All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) consistently wins elections across India because the opposition is a "failure" ("nakaam") and because the BJP has successfully consolidated Hindu votes. Owaisi made these remarks in response to the repeated accusations from opposition parties that his party acts as the 'B-team' of the BJP. He countered that attempts to blame him reflect the opposition's animosity towards his party, which primarily represents Muslims.
Owaisi argued that the opposition's inability to effectively challenge the BJP is the primary reason for the BJP's continued success. He highlighted the BJP's success in consolidating nearly 50% of Hindu votes across the country. He questioned how he could be held responsible for the BJP's performance, even if AIMIM contests in Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Kishanganj, and a few other constituencies.
He rebuffed claims that AIMIM benefits the BJP by dividing anti-Modi votes. Instead, he accused opposition parties, including the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Samajwadi Party (SP), of taking Muslim voters for granted and neglecting their genuine concerns. Owaisi criticized the prevailing attitude where other segments of society are encouraged to have political leadership, but Muslims are denied a similar voice. He questioned the fairness of a system where individuals from certain castes are seen as natural leaders while Muslims are relegated to the role of "beggars."
Owaisi cautioned that India cannot achieve its "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) goal by 2047 if a significant portion of its population remains marginalized and weak. He urged political parties to move beyond viewing Muslims as mere vote banks and instead focus on their upliftment through education, fair treatment, and employment opportunities. Owaisi asserted that his party's aim is to empower Muslims to be active citizens rather than just passive voters.
Owaisi's efforts to expand his party's electoral influence beyond its traditional stronghold have seen some success. AIMIM has secured seats in states such as Bihar and Maharashtra, particularly in constituencies with a substantial Muslim population. His strong advocacy for Muslim concerns has garnered him a following within the community nationwide. He emphasized that while his party stands firm on issues of national security and integrity, it is also crucial to address the internal challenges faced by Muslims in India.