Owaisi Could Impact SP-Congress Alliance As Muslim Factor Plays Major Role In Western UP's 21 LS Seats. Here's How

As UP gears up for the 2024 LS Polls, all eyes are on the 26% Muslim voters in Western UP, with more than 30 % in 21 seats, a crucial influence. Here's how Owaisi can spoil the game for SP-Congress.

File Photos: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav (L) & AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi (R) ( Image Source :Getty Images )

As the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, all eyes are on the 26 per cent Muslim voters in the Western UP, with more than 30 per cent in 21 seats, which undoubtedly emerges as a significant influence, potentially altering the dynamics of the SP-Congress alliance. Here's a look at how AIMIM chief Owaisi could spoil their game.

Will Owaisi Cause Trouble To I.N.D.I.A Bloc? Here's What You Need To Know

In Uttar Pradesh, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has become a source of concern for Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Akhilesh Yadav. AIMIM spokesperson Mohammad Farhan has demanded 5 seats for their party, threatening to contest on 25 seats if denied.

The party contends that not getting the requested seats would have significant consequences. Speculation arises whether Owaisi might choose to contest from Muslim-dominated seats in Western UP, such as Moradabad or Sambhal.

AIMIM spokesperson on Thursday said, "Just as Vasudev Shri Krishna ji had asked for five villages for the Pandavas. Similarly, Honorable Barrister Owaisi Saheb is asking for only 5 seats for Dalits, Backwards, and Muslims of Uttar Pradesh. If he (Akhilesh Yadav) gives five seats, it would be great. If not, the I.N.D.I.A Bloc will face consequences". 

The Crucial 26% Muslim Voters In Western UP: 

Despite being in the opposition, Owaisi is seen as a potential disruptor, with opposition parties often accusing him of being "BJP's team B". He obviously eyes political success in UP, given the Muslim population's prominence, especially in Western UP, where it constitutes 26 per cent.

It is to be noted that in 21 Lok Sabha seats, UP has over 30 per cent Muslim population, with the 2019 elections seeing 73 per cent of Muslim votes going to the SP-BSP alliance and 18 per cent to Congress.

Previously, Owaisi had strategically contested in the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections, gauging the significance of Muslim votes in the region.

With the BSP separate this time, and SP-Congress together, Owaisi aims to exert pressure on Akhilesh Yadav for the Muslim vote share. Any independent entry by Owaisi or his party into UP's political arena is likely to impact the SP-Congress alliance more than others.

Here's How SP Recated To AIMIM's Statement: 

The Samajwadi Party had distanced itself from Owaisi, shifting responsibility to the Congress.

SP spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand said, "Akhilesh ji had already said that Owaisi's party should discuss an alliance with Congress. Owaisi's party belongs to Hyderabad. Parties outside Uttar Pradesh should not be part of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. This decision rests with Congress". 

The BJP also weighed in on the matter. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, "This struggle is for Muslim votes, aiming to bring them to our side. Any attempt by Owaisi to divide or polarise Muslims will not succeed. Votes will be cast in the name of development, and BJP will secure votes on that basis".