Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM has ignited a fresh controversy by nominating a candidate for Bihar’s Rajya Sabha elections on March 16, directly imperiling RJD’s prospects in a high-stakes arithmetic game. Part of a 37-seat contest across 10 states, Bihar’s five openings intensify the drama.
From Bihar’s 16 seats, retirees comprise JD(U)’s Harivansh Narayan Singh, Ram Nath Thakur; RJD’s Prem Chand Gupta, Amarendra Dhari Singh; and Rashtriya Lok Morcha’s Upendra Kushwaha. NDA’s muscle ensures four seats, leaving the fifth as opposition’s battleground.
Grand Alliance tallies 35 MLAs—RJD leading with 25, followed by Congress (6), CPI(ML) Liberation (2), CPI (1), Indian Inclusive Party (1). Victory demands 41 first-preference votes, a mark AIMIM’s five and BSP’s one could hit.
Defying expectations, AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman vowed to fight independently, seeking opposition endorsement. This revisits 2020 scars: AIMIM’s rejected alliance bid with Lalu Prasad led to campaign hostilities, yet AIMIM won five seats to RJD’s 25.
RJD contemplated renominating Amarendra Dhari Singh, per sources. Now, Owaisi’s tactic risks diluting opposition strength, potentially gifting NDA dominance. In vote-value politics, AIMIM’s move spotlights Muslim representation dynamics.
Observers predict frantic negotiations ahead. This isn’t mere seat math; it’s a litmus test for opposition cohesion post-2020 setbacks. As Bihar shapes national narratives, AIMIM’s audacity could either forge new pacts or deepen divides, with Rajya Sabha glory hanging in balance.