In a recent development, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state president, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has issued a challenge to AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi to contest from all 119 Assembly constituencies in Telangana. Speaking at a press conference in Karimnagar on Wednesday, Sanjay responded to Owaisi’s recent public speeches where he criticized the BJP and accused the BRS government of being under the influence of AIMIM.
Sanjay expressed his discontent with Owaisi’s statements, particularly the one where he referred to the BJP as a snake and vowed to prevent the party’s victory as long as MIM exists. Sanjay emphasized that mere bold statements made from Darussalam were insufficient. He further asserted that if Owaisi genuinely wanted to work for the Muslim community and was confident in his party’s abilities, then AIMIM should field candidates from all Assembly seats in the state. Sanjay accused AIMIM of lacking the desire to come to power, claiming that their primary interest lies in accumulating wealth by supporting whichever party holds the reins of power, while Owaisi is solely focused on safeguarding his own assets.
Sanjay confidently declared that if Owaisi and AIMIM accept the challenge and contest from all seats in Telangana, the BJP would ensure that they wouldn’t even be able to secure their deposits. According to Sanjay, the people of Telangana have been rejecting the MIM party, citing their stance on granting bail to terrorists and providing them shelter.
The BJP leader also raised concerns about MIM’s purported lack of concern for the welfare of Muslims. Sanjay questioned why the Old City of Hyderabad, a predominantly Muslim area, had not witnessed substantial development and why the Muslim community was facing challenges in securing employment opportunities and passports. Sanjay emphasized the need for MIM leaders to address these pertinent issues.
The political challenge thrown by Bandi Sanjay Kumar to Asaduddin Owaisi signals the intensifying political rivalry between the BJP and AIMIM in Telangana. As the state heads towards the upcoming Assembly elections, the political landscape is likely to witness heightened competition and strategic maneuvering by these two prominent parties.