As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has made its political intentions clear the party will contest independently across major regions of the state while exploring the formation of a new “Third Front” with smaller regional outfits.
According to party sources, AIMIM has announced its first list of 32 candidates across 16 districts, mainly focusing on areas with significant minority and backward class populations such as Seemanchal, Gaya, Purnea, and Kishanganj. The party plans to field candidates in around 100 seats out of Bihar’s 243 constituencies.
Failed Alliance Talks with Mahagathbandhan
Earlier this year, AIMIM had expressed willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan the opposition bloc led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress but talks reportedly collapsed over seat sharing differences. AIMIM had demanded six seats to be part of the alliance, a proposal that was not accepted by RJD.
Following the deadlock, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that his party would contest independently, describing AIMIM as a “voice for the voiceless” and an alternative to both the BJP-led NDA and the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan.
Discussions for a “Grand Democratic Front”
While rejecting traditional alliances, AIMIM has initiated talks with smaller regional outfits like the Azad Samaj Party (ASP) led by Chandrashekhar Azad and the Apna Janata Party (AJP) to form a “Grand Democratic Front.”
Early discussions suggest a tentative seat-sharing formula AIMIM around 35 seats, ASP 25, and AJP 4 though this arrangement is yet to be officially announced.
AIMIM’s Strategy and Ground Focus
The party’s Bihar unit has been focusing on strengthening its ground network, particularly in Seemanchal, where AIMIM won five seats in the 2020 Assembly elections before defections reduced its strength. The party is positioning itself as a protector of minority rights, social justice and regional development.
Addressing party workers in Kishanganj, Owaisi said that “Bihar needs a third alternative that speaks for the deprived, the backward and the minorities not just power sharing among old parties.”
What Lies Ahead
Political analysts believe AIMIM’s independent strategy could significantly influence the vote share in Muslim majority constituencies, potentially affecting both NDA and Mahagathbandhan outcomes. If the proposed alliance with Azad Samaj Party materializes, the Third Front could emerge as a strong challenger in several key districts.
For now, AIMIM’s focus remains on finalizing candidate lists and consolidating grassroots presence, as the political landscape of Bihar becomes increasingly multi cornered.
