Bihar Polls: All the political parties have intensified their campaigns for the second and final phase of voting on November 11 for the Bihar Assembly election.
One of the key regions in the second phase will be Seemanchal, where the Mahagathbandhan would try to improve its tally. However, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM emerged as a roadblock for the opposition alliance in the 2020 Assembly polls and is again likely to offer a strong challenge on multiple Muslim-dominated seats. In one of his rallies, Owaisi emphasised that the Tejashwi Yadav-led alliance has only used the Muslim voters during the polls and has done nothing for the community.
In an attempt to expand its wings in Bihar after failed alliance talks with the RJD, the AIMIM has fielded a total of 15 candidates in the Seemanchal region. While the party has fielded four candidates each in Kishanganj and Purnia, it has given tickets to five candidates in Katihar and two in Araria. Owaisi’s party is contesting to repeat its performance, as the AIMIM managed to register victory on five seats; however, four MLAs later joined the RJD.
The contest on the Kochadhaman Assembly constituency is expected to be nail-biting as all the key parties have changed their candidates. While the RJD has fielded Mujahid Alam, the AIMIM has given the ticket to Sarwar Alam; however, the entry of Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj has made the fight triangular for the seat. Apart from this, AIMIM’s Tausif Alam and Congress’s Musabbir Alam are contesting the Bahaduranj Assembly constituency.
While the AIMIM has reportedly lost its grip on the Thakurganj and Kishanganj seats, it could still have an impact on the poll results. Earlier last week, Owaisi asserted that Tejashwi denied his proposal of alliance, adding that the RJD leader’s arrogance will ensure the return of NDA in the state.