New Delhi, October 7, 2026: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has explained why his party did not participate in the opposition INDIA bloc’s recent march to the Election Commission, saying AIMIM was not part of the political grouping that organised the protest.
Owaisi’s comments came amid a wider opposition campaign questioning electoral processes and seeking the Election Commission’s response to allegations related to voter lists and election management.
Owaisi questions AIMIM’s role in opposition protest
Asked why AIMIM stayed away from the march, Owaisi used the Hindi expression “begani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana” to underline that his party did not see itself as a participant in the INDIA bloc’s political programme.
His response reflects AIMIM’s position that the party operates independently of the opposition alliance, despite occasionally sharing political ground with some of its constituent parties.
The march was organised as part of the opposition’s broader criticism of the Election Commission and its handling of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties have raised voter-list concerns
Several opposition parties have been campaigning against what they describe as irregularities in electoral rolls and have demanded greater transparency from election authorities.
The issue has become particularly prominent in the political debate surrounding electoral exercises in Bihar, where parties have been closely scrutinising voter lists and the procedures used to verify eligible voters.
The Election Commission has maintained that its electoral-roll procedures are designed to ensure that eligible citizens can exercise their franchise while preventing duplication and other irregularities.
AIMIM maintains an independent political position
Owaisi has frequently positioned AIMIM as a separate political force rather than an automatic ally of the Congress-led opposition.
The party has contested elections independently in several states and has sought to expand its electoral presence beyond its traditional strongholds.
That independent approach has sometimes resulted in criticism from opposition parties, particularly when AIMIM contests constituencies where opposition candidates are also seeking Muslim votes.
AIMIM, however, has rejected the argument that it should withdraw from elections simply to benefit another political party.
Why the Election Commission issue matters
The dispute over electoral rolls has become a major political issue because changes to voter lists can directly affect the ability of citizens to participate in elections.
Opposition parties have called for greater scrutiny and transparency, while the Election Commission has defended the electoral process and its verification mechanisms.
The disagreement has consequently developed into a larger political confrontation between the opposition and the poll panel.
Owaisi’s remarks highlight opposition differences
While several opposition parties have attempted to coordinate their response to the Election Commission, Owaisi’s latest remarks demonstrate that such coordination does not necessarily extend to every political party outside the INDIA bloc.
AIMIM's decision to stay away from the march therefore reflects both its organisational independence and its broader political strategy.
As debate over electoral transparency continues, Owaisi’s comments are likely to keep attention on the differences within the wider opposition camp over how the Election Commission should be challenged and what form political coordination should take.
