1 hr ago
AIMIM Spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar Joins Congress, Criticizes Owaisi-Led Outfit
Syed Asim Waqar used to speak for the AIMIM party.
He has now joined the Congress party.
Waqar criticized the AIMIM, which is led by Asaduddin Owaisi.
He said the AIMIM says it wants to defeat the BJP but often fights other opposition parties instead.
Waqar said this could indirectly help the BJP.
He believes Congress is doing the most to challenge the BJP across India.
Congress leaders welcomed him at the party office in New Delhi.
The change may matter in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are expected early next year.
The BJP may face a combined challenge from Congress and the Samajwadi Party.
AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar joined the Congress on Wednesday, September 2.
Waqar accused AIMIM of targeting opposition parties instead of directly fighting the BJP.
He said Congress and Rahul Gandhi are leading the nationwide effort against the BJP.
Congress leaders Rajendra Pal Gautam, Ajay Rai and Imran Pratapgarhi attended the induction.
The move could affect Asaduddin Owaisi’s efforts to expand AIMIM’s presence in Uttar Pradesh.
- Who
- Syed Asim Waqar, formerly the AIMIM national spokesperson, joined the Congress.
- What
- Waqar switched parties and criticized the AIMIM’s approach toward opposing the BJP.
- Where
- Waqar joined the Congress at the AICC office at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi.
- When
- Wednesday, September 2; Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls are expected early next year.
- Why
- He said he wanted to directly oppose the BJP and support the formation of a secular government.
Waqar and Congress’s Position
AIMIM’s Position as Described by Waqar
How to oppose the BJP
Waqar and Congress’s Position
Waqar said opposition parties should focus on directly defeating the BJP and viewed Congress as the main force doing so nationally.
AIMIM’s Position as Described by Waqar
Waqar alleged that AIMIM says it wants to remove the BJP but instead contests Congress, the Samajwadi Party and other parties opposing the BJP.
Political impact in Uttar Pradesh
Waqar and Congress’s Position
Congress’s induction of Waqar could strengthen its position ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.
AIMIM’s Position as Described by Waqar
Waqar’s departure could potentially affect Asaduddin Owaisi’s efforts to make electoral inroads for AIMIM in Uttar Pradesh.
Key facts
- Former party
- All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)
- New party
- Indian National Congress
- Former role
- AIMIM national spokesperson
- Induction venue
- AICC office, 24 Akbar Road, New Delhi
- Congress attendees
- Rajendra Pal Gautam, Ajay Rai and Imran Pratapgarhi
- Upcoming election
- Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, expected early next year
- Expected electoral alignment
- The BJP is expected to face a likely joint challenge from the Samajwadi Party and Congress.
Quotes
Syed Asim Waqar
Former AIMIM national spokesperson who joined the Congress
“But I felt being in the AIMIM for so many years that we pay lip service by stating that the BJP must be removed but on the ground we don’t fight the BJP, we fight the Congress, the SP, we are fighting every other person who wants to remove the BJP”
CNBC TV 18
“So, I felt that if we keep fighting the opposition and do not allow it to blossom, then who are we helping the BJP. I have decided that if we are true nationalists and want to remove the BJP honestly then our objective should be to fight the BJP.”
CNBC TV 18
deccanchronicle.com
Rajendra Pal Gautam
AICC in-charge for Uttar Pradesh
“Under the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi, a movement is underway across the country on issues concerning education, employment, students, women, and marginalised sections”
CNBC TV 18
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
Owaisi Seeks AIMIM Support for 2027 Uttar Pradesh Polls
BJP Challenges Congress Over Revanth Reddy’s Muslim Remark
Assam Congress Calls AIUDF BJP’s B-Team Ahead of Nagaon Bypoll
AIMIM Names Mohammed Mubeen Rajendranagar In-Charge After Baig Expulsion
Athawale Invites CJP Founder Dipke as Dipke Questions 'Anti-National' Label
Rahul Gandhi Attacks Modi, Shah at Congress Working Committee Meeting
Calcutta High Court Denies Urgent Relief to Newspaper Journalists
Ram Temple Trust Adds Three Members, Plans New CEO Role
BJP Alleges Punjab Transfer Scam, Seeks Mann’s Resignation
Recent Protests Push India’s BJP Toward Greater Political Caution
