As the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 draws near, the state’s political landscape is witnessing significant shifts. Traditional alliances like the NDA and INDIA bloc are consolidating their positions, while emerging forces such as the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are expanding their reach and influence across key constituencies.
Alliances & Seat Sharing: Current Picture
- The NDA alliance (BJP + JD(U) + LJP-RV + HAM) has sealed its seat sharing formula with BJP and JD(U) contesting 101 seats each and allies taking the rest.
- The INDIA bloc (RJD + Congress + Left parties) continues internal negotiations over seat distribution, facing occasional friction between RJD and Congress.
- Smaller and regional players, including AIMIM, AAP, and Jan Suraaj Party, are contesting independently, aiming to capitalize on local discontent and identity-based politics.
AIMIM’s Bihar Strategy and Ground Strength
The AIMIM, led by Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, is moving assertively to consolidate its position in Bihar particularly in the Seemanchal region (comprising districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnia), where it already enjoys a strong base among Muslim voters.
- The party is contesting around 25 to 30 seats, primarily in Muslim dominated regions.
- AIMIM has announced its first list of candidates, emphasizing youth participation, education and minority empowerment.
- Party leaders, including Akbaruddin Owaisi and Imtiyaz Jaleel, are expected to campaign in Bihar to energize the cadre and connect with local voters.
- AIMIM has opened talks with smaller regional outfits to form a “People’s Front”, though it has opted to remain independent of both NDA and INDIA bloc.
In previous elections, AIMIM made a breakthrough by winning five assembly seats in 2020, a remarkable achievement that positioned it as a key player in Seemanchal politics. This time, the party aims to expand beyond its strongholds, focusing on issues like education, unemployment, and protection of minority rights.
Political Mood & Impact
Analysts believe AIMIM could once again emerge as a spoiler or kingmaker in several constituencies:
- In areas where Muslim votes are divided between RJD, Congress and AIMIM, the triangular contest could reshape outcomes.
- The party’s aggressive grassroots campaigns and community level outreach have resonated among young first time voters who feel ignored by mainstream parties.
- Owaisi’s narrative of “self representation and dignity politics” continues to attract attention in marginalized districts.
Election Schedule
- Phase 1 Poll Notification: 10 October 2025
- Last Date for Nominations (Phase 1): 17 October 2025
- Phase 2 Poll Notification: 13 October 2025
- Last Date for Nominations (Phase 2): 20 October 2025
- Voting Dates: 6 November (Phase 1) and 11 November (Phase 2)
- Results Announcement: 14 November 2025
Why It Matters
The entry and strengthening of AIMIM add a new layer to Bihar’s political complexity. While larger alliances focus on macro agendas, AIMIM’s local connect and targeted messaging could tilt results in several districts. The 2025 elections may not just determine who governs Bihar, but also redefine the role of regional identity-based politics in India’s evolving democracy.
Conclusion
As Bihar inches closer to polling day, AIMIM’s confident and strategic presence has unsettled traditional alliances. Whether it wins big or influences results indirectly, the party’s participation has already changed the tone of Bihar’s political conversation from caste arithmetic to questions of representation, justice, and social equality.
