The growing political footprint of Asaduddin Owaisi has added a new dimension to the electoral landscape in eastern India, with his party’s presence raising questions over whether it will act as a vote-divider or emerge as a kingmaker in upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam. The Hyderabad MP’s party, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has been steadily expanding beyond its traditional base, following its performance in recent state elections.

The AIMIM’s electoral push comes months after the party secured five seats in the Bihar Assembly elections, a result that strengthened its ambitions to widen its national reach. Owaisi’s rising popularity, including his outspoken positions on national security and constitutional issues, has helped him build a broader appeal, even among critics. This growing influence has encouraged the party to test its strength in regions with significant minority populations.

In West Bengal, AIMIM has entered into an alliance with a newly formed party led by former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir. The partnership is expected to contest a large number of seats, particularly in districts such as Murshidabad in north Bengal, where demographic factors often play a decisive role in elections. Political observers believe that this alliance could reshape voting patterns in key constituencies.

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The entry of AIMIM into the Bengal electoral fray has revived long-standing allegations from opposition parties, including the Congress, which have previously described Owaisi’s party as indirectly benefiting the Bharatiya Janata Party by splitting opposition votes. Owaisi has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that his party is exercising its constitutional right to contest elections and pointing to instances where AIMIM legislators have supported opposition candidates in legislative contests.

In Assam, AIMIM has adopted a different strategy by not fielding candidates directly but extending support to the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by Badruddin Ajmal. Owaisi has actively campaigned in the state, aiming to bolster AIUDF’s prospects despite the absence of a formal AIMIM presence on the ballot. The move reflects a tactical approach to influence electoral outcomes without direct participation.

The evolving alliances and campaign strategies come at a time of shifting political equations in both states. In Assam, the Congress has distanced itself from AIUDF, while in Bengal, heightened competition among major parties has increased the stakes. Analysts suggest that the “Owaisi factor” could play a pivotal role in closely contested seats, potentially influencing the final outcome by altering traditional vote banks and coalition dynamics.

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