AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the recently launched manifesto of the Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadav arguing that while the document made sweeping promises, it failed to address political representation for the Muslim community in Bihar.
In a pointed press statement, Owaisi asked, “If the son of a Malla (a community with around 3 per cent of population) can be nominated Deputy Chief Minister, then why can’t a Muslim (nearly 17 per cent of the state’s population) also get to hold such a post?” He accused the alliance of treating Muslim voters as a vote bank rather than offering them leadership positions or serious inclusion.
He further claimed that while the manifesto promises jobs, free electricity, health assurances and pensions, it lacks clarity on the share of power and seats for minority communities. According to Owaisi, this omission raises doubts about the sincerity of the alliance’s inclusive intent.
The RJD led alliance had earlier announced its “Tejashwi Pran” manifesto with major welfare pledges including one government job per family, free electricity up to 200 units and revival of the Old Pension Scheme. However, the question of minority leadership and ministerial representation appears to have become a major flashpoint following Owaisi’s remarks.
In response, sources within the alliance claimed that internal deliberations on deputy CM posts and ministerial allocations are ongoing and that public announcements would follow. Tejashwi Yadav’s camp, however, has not formally responded to Owaisi’s comments.
