Thread by @journalistreyaz

THREAD on Factors Behind the Popularity of @aimim_national and Barrister @asadowaisi Sb beyond #Hyderabad:

(Let us first understand the reasons behind his popularity)

1/11

Most mainstream political parties and liberals accuse AIMIM and Owaisi of radicalizing and promoting extremism among Muslims as they are wary of losing even Muslim votes which they almost always take for granted.

2/11

While Majlis is accused of helping the BJP’s surge, it is the rapid spread of the Hindutva politics coupled with the failure of the secular forces that have led to the increasing popularity of Owaisi, particularly among youth as he often touches the right chord with them.
3/11

Take any issue related to Muslims, from lynching to anti-CAA protests, and it is often Owaisi speaking out inside parliament and outside.

The fact that he is an articulate orator and convincing public speaker adds to his charisma.

4/11

Look closely at the limited electoral successes of the AIMIM beyond Hyderabad, you will see another factor: states where Majlis has won or at least put up some fight (like UP), are those where BJP was ruling, or/and was almost certain to win the elections...

5/11

... the secular parties meanwhile appeared in disarray, at best. Even in Bihar, till September NDA’s victory appeared a foregone conclusion before Tejashwi Yadav did show some enthusiasm in campaigns, though that was not sufficient.

6/11

Facing discriminations from local government offices and at the hands of ever emboldened Hindutva brigade at each level, and being pushed to the wall, many Muslims in these pockets are disenchanted, not just from political parties but also from their local representatives.

7/11

This makes the ground fertile for a party like AIMIM as Owaisi echoes their sentiments and offers an alternative within the constitutional framework.

8/11

Coupled with this is another crucial factor of the local leadership. In Seemanchal, for example, Majlis found an experienced and credible local face in Aktharul Iman as well as some other local leaders many of whom had won or contested elections in the past...

9/11

For example, Shanawaz Alam, son of a former RJD heavyweight Taslimuddin, who won from Jokihat has been MLA and comes from an influential political family.

One needs to keep these in mind when talking about the scope/success of AIMIM in any other states (e.g. Bengal)

10/11

From tomorrow, each day I will elaborate on one of the challenges that AIMIM will face if they decide to contest the elections in Bengal.

11/11

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