A prominent leader from Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM party has raised concerns about the underrepresentation of Muslims within Bihar’s opposition coalition, the Mahagathbandhan, which comprises parties like the RJD and Congress.
Shaukat Ali, the AIMIM chief in Uttar Pradesh, shared an AI-generated image on X depicting Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD and Mukesh Sahani of the VIP. The image, accompanied by commentary on community population percentages, depicted a Muslim man in a subservient position while the other leaders appeared relaxed. Ali stated that Muslims, who constitute 18% of Bihar’s population, are relegated to menial roles like laying carpets, contrasting with the comfortable positions of others.
Ali specifically pointed to Mukesh Sahani’s community, Nishad, representing 2% of the state’s population, and Tejashwi Yadav’s community, Yadav, representing 13%. He referred to the 18% Muslim population as “carpet-laying ministers,” a loaded term often used in political discourse.
Furthermore, Ali accused the Mahagathbandhan of employing the BJP as a scare tactic, suggesting they would say, “Abdul, stay quiet, or the BJP will come.” The term ‘Abdul’ is frequently used by the Hindutva right wing for derogatory political remarks.
The AIMIM plans to contest approximately 30 out of Bihar’s 243 seats independently, following unsuccessful attempts to join the RJD-Congress alliance.
Owaisi has consistently criticized the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of not taking a strong enough or fair stance against the BJP’s alleged communal agenda.
These remarks by Shaukat Ali came shortly after the Mahagathbandhan officially declared Tejashwi Yadav as their chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly elections, with Mukesh Sahani designated as a deputy chief ministerial candidate.