As Maharashtra prepares for its municipal elections, political tensions are rising, particularly in the Nanded district. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi delivered a sharp critique of Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar during a public rally, raising questions about his loyalty and credibility. Speaking to an attentive crowd, Owaisi argued that Pawar’s inability to remain loyal to his uncle and political mentor, Sharad Pawar, reflected on his commitment to the people at large. He accused the NCP leader of abandoning the very figure who had nurtured his political career and elevated his stature, framing this as indicative of his true character and political ethos.
Owaisi further highlighted allegations of corruption against Ajit Pawar, noting that the NCP leader has publicly acknowledged accusations of embezzling ₹75,000 crore. Drawing attention to what he described as systemic disparities, Owaisi suggested that if Pawar were a Muslim, he would likely have faced decades in prison, pointing to unequal treatment of politicians across different communities. His remarks underscored a broader narrative around accountability, governance, and perceived inequities in India’s political system.
In addition to targeting Pawar, Owaisi also criticised senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan. He questioned Chavan’s political decisions and highlighted his failure to reform or address past controversies. While Chavan has publicly supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was not appointed as a minister of state, Owaisi noted, further reminding voters of Chavan’s resignation as Maharashtra Chief Minister following the Adarsh housing scam. Through these examples, Owaisi sought to emphasise that voters in Nanded are alert, politically aware, and capable of recognising political deception.
The rally also provided an opportunity for Owaisi to highlight AIMIM’s growing influence in Maharashtra. The party has steadily expanded its presence from Nanded, where it won 13 corporator seats during Chavan’s tenure, to Mumbai, demonstrating its ability to translate local successes into wider urban influence. Despite early scepticism from political observers, including Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, AIMIM has continued to consolidate its position, aiming to emerge as a significant player in Maharashtra’s municipal landscape.
As municipal elections approach, Owaisi’s comments underline AIMIM’s strategy of focusing on loyalty, governance, and perceived inequalities to mobilise voters. By blending criticism of established leaders with assertions of the party’s expanding footprint, AIMIM is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the state’s urban politics, signalling a new era of political assertiveness in Maharashtra.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
