Congress MP voices concern over rise of AIMIM in Maharashtra; alleges understanding with BJP

A Congress MP has voiced concern over the rise of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in Maharashtra and alleged that the Hyderabad-based party has an understanding with BJP. AIMIM won two seats in the just-concluded Assembly polls in Maharashtra.

Husain Dalwai, who is member of the Rajya Sabha, told reporters that the development was not good for the welfare of the Muslim community claiming it would strengthen the divisive politics of BJP.

Appealing to the Muslim community to help strengthen the secular forces, Dalwai said that the community will have to agitate for the implementation of the recommendations of the Sachar Committee for its socio-economic development.

Contesting its first election in Maharashtra, AIMIM achieved 0.9% votes from the total vote share of the state, which is significant in view of the 10.6% population of Muslims in the state. Reports had it that the support for AIMIM in the Assembly polls is much more than that garnered by Samajwadi Party. SP managed to get a meagre 0.2% vote share that comes to only 92,304 votes.