AIMIM faces backlash over support to Congress in Jubilee Hills by-election

AIMIM’s decision to back Congress candidate V Naveen Yadav in the Jubilee Hills by-election has sparked criticism, with rivals recalling its past attacks on CM Revanth Reddy. The move has strained ties with BRS and angered supporters in Borabanda and Erragadda

Hyderabad: The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen, known for its aggressive stand against political rivals, appears to be on the backfoot in the Jubilee Hills by-election.

After repeatedly attacking the Congress and particularly Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy until the previous Assembly elections, the party’s sudden shift in supporting Congress candidate V Naveen Yadav has triggered sharp criticism from various quarters. Many are reminding AIMIM of its past remarks against the Chief Minister, when it had referred to him as ‘RSS Anna.’

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Unlike in the old city, AIMIM does not enjoy unwavering support in the new city, especially in Jubilee Hills. While it has a base in pockets of Borabanda, Erragadda, and Shaikpet divisions, recent political developments have placed the party in a tight spot.

The death of Borabanda resident and BRS leader Mohammed Sardar in June, allegedly due to harassment by the Congress government, remains fresh in the minds of residents in Borabanda and Erragadda. His widow, Sameena Yasmeen, alleged at a street corner meeting on Monday that her husband was pressured to join the Congress, and when he refused, raids were conducted on his shop and threats issued that their house would be demolished, forcing him to take his life. The incident has further widened the rift between BRS and AIMIM leaders in the locality.

Last year, when HYDRAA demolished houses of the poor in Chaderghat, Musanagar, Hydershah, Chaitanyapurim, Shankarnagar, and other areas along the Musi banks, the BRS had extended support to the affected families. AIMIM’s muted approach in questioning the Congress government over these demolitions has drawn public ire. The fact that many Muslim families approached the BRS after losing their homes reflected their confidence in the BRS at the time.

Even as AIMIM MLCs and leaders campaign for the Congress candidate in the by election, Congress government Advisor Mohammed Shabbir Ali and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi have criticised party chief Asaduddin Owaisi for compromising community interests. While Shabbir Ali targeted AIMIM calling it the BJP’s ‘B team’, Pratapgarhi accused the Hyderabad MP of ‘opportunistic politics’ and alleged he was working for the defeat of Congress candidates in the ongoing Bihar elections.

During the November 2023 Assembly elections, then Congress candidate from Jubilee Hills Mohammed Azharuddin had claimed that AIMIM would not be able to bowl ‘bouncers’ at him, also branding it the BJP’s ‘B team’. He lost the seat to Maganti Gopinath of the BRS by over 16,000 votes. AIMIM candidate Mohammed Rashed Farazuddin polled 7,848 votes despite the constituency having over one lakh Muslim voters.