Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Indian Political Crosscurrents Include AIMIM Defection And Odisha Mining Dispute
Several political developments in India are being discussed.
Syed Asim Waqar left Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM and joined the Congress.
Waqar said AIMIM’s election strategy can hurt parties that oppose the BJP.
Owaisi rejects the idea that his party secretly helps the BJP and often criticises the BJP and Narendra Modi.
In Odisha, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan said the state may be losing a great deal of mining revenue.
She blamed the government for not collecting money owed by mining companies.
In Assam, Congress ended its alliance with Raijor Dal before an important by-election.
Congress members said the party is facing a lack of energy and unity.
Separately, Belgium’s prime minister said a chocolate model of India Gate melted before it could be given to Modi.
AIMIM spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar joined the Congress and renewed allegations that Owaisi’s party helps split anti-BJP votes.
Asaduddin Owaisi has rejected the ‘B team’ charge and continues to attack Narendra Modi, the BJP and the wider Sangh Parivar.
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan warned that Odisha could lose nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in mining arrears and more than Rs 12,000 crore annually.
The Congress ended its alliance with Assam’s Raijor Dal, while party insiders expressed concern about weak organisation ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said a planned India Gate sculpture made of Belgian chocolate melted during its journey to India.
- Who
- The developments involve Asaduddin Owaisi, Syed Asim Waqar, the AIMIM, the Congress, Odisha political figures, Assam opposition parties, Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
- What
- The article describes an AIMIM defection, renewed debate over the party’s relationship with the BJP, an Odisha mining-revenue dispute, an Assam alliance breakup and a melted diplomatic gift.
- When
- The developments are described as recent; the Odisha discussion concerns the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and the article refers to Supreme Court action in 2024.
- Where
- The events concern Delhi, Hyderabad-linked AIMIM politics, Odisha, Assam, India and Belgium.
- Why
- Waqar said AIMIM’s electoral tactics hurt anti-BJP forces; Karthikeyan cited uncollected mining arrears; Congress cited a breach of alliance ethics in ending its Raijor Dal ties.
Critics’ View
Defenders’ View
AIMIM and the BJP
Critics’ View
Critics, including Syed Asim Waqar, argue that AIMIM’s candidates can divide anti-BJP votes and indirectly benefit the BJP.
Defenders’ View
AIMIM rejects the ‘B team’ allegation, while Owaisi points to his repeated and forceful criticism of Modi, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar.
Odisha mining revenue
Critics’ View
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan says the Odisha government failed to collect mining tax arrears, risking nearly Rs 1 lakh crore and significant annual revenue.
Defenders’ View
The article does not provide a detailed public response from the Odisha government or BJP leaders, but says her criticism has put the state BJP government on the defensive.
Congress–Raijor Dal breakup
Critics’ View
Congress insiders welcomed the end of an alliance they viewed as ineffective and said the partnership had shown cracks after the assembly-election defeat.
Defenders’ View
The breakup also exposes Congress’s problems, with insiders describing the party as lacking ideas, energy and cohesion before the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.
- AIMIM defection
- Spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar, described as close to Owaisi, joined the Congress.
- ‘B team’ allegation
- Critics accuse AIMIM of splitting anti-BJP votes; the party has repeatedly rejected the allegation.
- Owaisi’s response
- Owaisi remains a vocal critic of Narendra Modi, the BJP and the wider Sangh Parivar.
- Odisha mining arrears
- Sujata Rout Karthikeyan estimated unpaid mining dues at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore.
- Annual Odisha revenue loss
- Karthikeyan estimated annual revenue losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore.
- Assam alliance
- Congress ended its ties with Raijor Dal, citing a breach of alliance ethics.
- Belgian gift
- A planned India Gate sculpture made from Belgian chocolates melted during its journey to India.