Asaduddin Owaisi: The dominant force in Hyderabad politics

Asaduddin Owaisi

Asaduddin Owaisi is a well-known politician known for his powerful speeches that deeply resonate with his supporters. He has a significant presence in Hyderabad, his home constituency. Interestingly, the polling day for the Lok Sabha constituency in Telangana on May 13 coincides with his 55th birthday, which is a significant day for both Owaisi and the voters.

Hyderabad's parliamentary constituency is a unique battleground where the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Owaisi, dominates. This dominance is so pronounced that other major political parties often need help finding candidates to challenge MIM's stronghold in the region.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Owaisi secured around 59% of the vote, with his closest rival from the Congress party managing only a small percentage of votes. Despite Congress's efforts to gain momentum, their impact in Hyderabad was minimal, particularly in the assembly seats under the parliamentary area. In the last assembly elections in November, AIMIM won six out of seven seats, clearly showing the firm grip Owaisi and his party have on Hyderabad.

The Owaisi family has been influential in this constituency for over four decades. Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, Asaduddin's father, successfully contested this seat six times from 1984 to 1999, defeating the BJP and TDP candidates. After retiring for health reasons in 2004, Asaduddin took over and won the seat in the 2004, 2009, and 2014 elections.

The constituency's demographic, heavily populated by minority communities, plays a significant role in MIM's success. Before 2004, the Hyderabad parliamentary area included rural segments, but post-delimitation in 2009, it became an entirely urban constituency, which benefited AIMIM. Currently, the constituency has over 16 lakh voters, with 65% belonging to minority communities, highlighting the significant support base for Owaisi and his party.

The Old City of Hyderabad is renowned for its Qutb Shahi and Asif Jahi-era monuments and as a stronghold of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party. Since 1967, the party has been participating in elections and has gradually strengthened its presence in the region, initially supporting independent candidates. Asaduddin Owaisi, the current leader of AIMIM, entered politics in 1994 when he won the Charminar Assembly seat.

AIMIM faced criticism after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, as many educated Muslims were hesitant to engage in politics, leaving a gap in representation. Asaduddin Owaisi, who had recently returned from London with a law degree, found himself at a pivotal moment. Despite his aspirations for a legal career, his nomination for the 1994 Andhra Pradesh Assembly election marked the beginning of a significant political journey. Reflecting on those times, Owaisi once remarked on the unpredictability of his political involvement, having worked in retail and fast food in London to support his studies.

Owaisi has served as an MLA twice and an MP four times, succeeding his father, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, who was a six-term MP. His career path has reshaped the archetype of Muslim leadership in India. When asked about regrets regarding choosing politics over law, Owaisi philosophically views his journey, focusing on the positives.

The AIMIM's roots trace back to Hyderabad's integration into India when it opposed the accession. The party faced a ban and disarray post-integration, with many leaders leaving for Pakistan. Owaisi's grandfather revived it by adding 'All India' to its name, positioning it as a party for those who chose to stay in India. Owaisi often highlights this lineage, underlining the AIMIM's identity as a party for those who remained.

This foundation has also paved the way for the AIMIM's expansion beyond Telangana. The party's foray into Bihar's Seemanchal region illustrates its growing influence. The reluctance of Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to address issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) created a vacuum that Owaisi filled, securing five seats in the Bihar Assembly election.

In the Seemanchal region, Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which he famously tore in Parliament. He also criticized traditional political parties for betraying the people. Owaisi's speeches are delivered in eloquent Urdu and often include religious references that resonate with the Muslim identity, reminiscent of religious sermons. Dressed in traditional attire, Owaisi's presence and oratory deeply connect with his audience, reinforcing his role as a formidable voice for Muslims in India's political landscape.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is broadening its alliances for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. They are joining forces with the OBC-centric Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) and smaller parties such as the Rashtra Uday Party (RUP) of Babu Ram Pal and the Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party (PMSP) of Prem Chand Bind. This move underscores AIMIM's strategy to expand its influence beyond its traditional base and tap into a broader spectrum of voters, particularly among marginalized communities.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, in response to criticisms that his party's actions benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by dividing the opposition vote, has taken a firm stand against such allegations. Owaisi articulates a broader critique of the political landscape, suggesting that secular parties desire Muslim leaders to remain subordinate, a condition he vehemently opposes. His rejection of these allegations is rooted in a more profound dissatisfaction with the current political discourse, where he believes the interests of Muslims and other marginalized communities are often sidelined or tokenized.

Owaisi's criticism extends to the INDIA bloc's claims of representing marginalized groups, which he dismisses as "a joke." This statement reflects a broader disillusionment with political coalitions that, in his view, fail to address the needs and aspirations of disadvantaged communities genuinely. By forming alliances with parties like Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), RUP, and PMSP, AIMIM signals its intent to forge a more inclusive political pathway that transcends traditional identity politics, aiming to unite various marginalized groups under a standard banner in the pursuit of equitable representation and justice.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is making strategic moves across several key states in India. Akhtar ul Iman, the Bihar unit president of AIMIM, is expected to represent the party in the Kishanganj constituency. This move signals the party's intention to broaden its electoral footprint in Bihar, where it has seen success in recent assembly elections.

In Maharashtra, a state with a significant Muslim population of about 12%, AIMIM plans to field candidates in Mumbai and Marathwada regions. This move is poised to cause concern for the INDIA bloc, as AIMIM's participation could shift the dynamics in these areas, potentially impacting the voter base of existing coalitions.

Down south in Tamil Nadu, AIMIM is charting a different course by extending support to the AIADMK, distancing itself from the NDA and INDIA groups, which Owaisi has categorically opposed. This strategic alliance with Edappadi Palaniswami's AIADMK is not just for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but is expected to continue into the 2026 assembly elections. This collaboration underscores AIMIM's tactical approach to politics, aligning with regional parties where it sees a mutual benefit, especially in states seeking to gain a foothold and influence outcomes.

Owaisi has faced criticism but remains unfazed. He recalls his childhood when he was often abused by RSS workers who tried to intimidate him. However, he takes all the criticism in stride and does not let it affect him. Although he was an average student and a slow reader, he embraced his role in politics with conviction. He admits to not speaking Telugu despite trying to learn the language with a tutor. Owaisi's political career keeps him busy, leaving little time for personal pursuits.

As the Lok Sabha polls draw near, Owaisi has actively engaged with the community by attending various iftar parties. He uses these gatherings for a silent campaign, which allows him to connect with the electorate in a culturally resonant way during the holy month of Ramzan. Owaisi's strategy showcases his deep understanding of the significance of personal interactions and community engagement in politics.