The All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a political party in Hyderabad, has been criticized for not giving tickets to candidates from majority communities in the Assembly and Lok Sabha segments. The party, also known as Majlis, is often accused of practicing communal politics due to its name and alleged lack of non-Muslim contenders in elections. Opposition parties like the BJP claim that AIMIM does not have prominent leaders from the majority community who can contest in their Assembly segments.
AIMIM has a stronghold in the Old City area and has won seats representing the majority communities. However, it has been accused of not fielding non-Muslim candidates from these areas. Despite the criticism, AIMIM is determined to expand its presence across India and is collaborating with community forces to contest elections in various states. Political analysts note that the party has fielded Hindu candidates in Assembly and local body elections where it can gain both Muslim and Hindu votes.
In AIMIM’s seven segments, there are divisions with a majority non-Muslim population, where the party is influential. These areas, including Malakpet, Karwan, Chandrayangutta, Yakutpura, Falaknuma, and Nampally, have consistently voted for AIMIM over several terms. During the GHMC elections, AIMIM fielded five non-Muslim candidates who were elected in traditional strongholds.
The party’s decision to field non-Muslim candidates in divisions with strong winning prospects is seen as a sincere effort. Previously, AIMIM had chosen majority community candidates in segments like Amberpet, Musheerabad, and Jubilee Hills. However, the party lacks prominent leaders from other communities who can participate in elections.
AIMIM emphasizes that its goal is to work irrespective of religion and promotes peace and harmony among Muslims, Hindus, Dalits, and Sikhs in the Old City area. The party does not consider the names or religion of beneficiaries when working. In the late 80s, during a period of communal tensions in Hyderabad, AIMIM nominated three non-Muslims as mayors and two as deputy mayors.
Despite facing criticism for communal politics, AIMIM sends a strong message of its commitment to secularism and serving all communities. AIMIM’s floor leader, Akbaruddin Owaisi, has even requested the government to allocate funds for a Hindu temple, showing the party’s inclusiveness and support for religious institutions.
