New Delhi: Shiv Sena on Thursday hit out at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress for branding Asaduddin Owaisi’s party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), as the “B-Team” of the BJP. Shiv Sena accused the two parties of “arrogance” and “hypocrisy”, saying their rejection of AIMIM’s proposal to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar reveals an “ego-driven” political mindset.
The sharp reaction from Shiv Sena came after RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari alleged that Owaisi’s party has consistently worked to divide secular votes, thereby indirectly benefiting “communal forces.”
Tiwari’s comments also follow Congress’s rejection of AIMIM’s overture to join the Mahagathbandhan ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The Congress termed AIMIM a “communal party” and ruled out any alliance.
Responding to these developments, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam said, “It is unfortunate that RJD and Congress are treating Bihar as their personal fiefdom. AIMIM’s offer to join the Mahagathbandhan was a positive step towards consolidating secular votes against the BJP and NDA. But instead of welcoming them, both Congress and RJD dismissed the proposal.”
He further added, “What kind of secularism is this? If AIMIM, a secular party in its own right, wants to join forces to defeat the BJP, then their support should be embraced. But by sidelining Owaisi, RJD and Congress have revealed their egos. They no longer have the right to accuse him of helping the BJP.”
Nirupam also pointed out that Owaisi’s party, though based in Hyderabad, has the constitutional right to contest elections anywhere in the country.
“RJD contests in Maharashtra. Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party also contest in multiple states, including Maharashtra. So why should Owaisi be singled out? Politics should be free of ego. Sadly, Mahagathbandhan seems to have no space left for unity or humility,” he said. (IANS)
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