Maharashtra assembly seats win historic, says MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi

Hyderabad: The MIM entered electoral politics in 1960. Since then, it was confined to Hyderabad and certain pockets in Telangana state. But in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the party decided to expand its base and contested in Andhra Pradesh and also in certain seats in the newly formed state of Telangana.

Though the party failed to open its account in AP, it retained its seven Assembly seats and one MP seat in Hyderabad.

The MIM had fielded 24 candidates in Maharashtra and won two seats. It also secured second position in three seats and stood third in nine.

Reacting to the historical victory in Maharashtra in their maiden effort, party president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “We have succeeded in creating a platform for the unity of Muslims and Dalits and Other Backward Classes across the nation to raise their voices against the injustice they have been facing from the so called secular parties.”

“In the Maharashtra polls, wherever we went, people, particularly Muslims, Dalits and BCs, received us with ‘Jai Meem (Muslim) and Jai Bheem’ slogans, and now our party will carry forward the slogan to unite Muslims, Dalits and BCs,” he added.

Offering thanks to the people of Maharashtra for supporting party candidates, Mr Owaisi added, “When we decided to contest the Maharashtra polls, several leaders said that we were entering the fray to divide Muslim and Dalit votes. But the people of Maharashtra have given a fitting reply to the critics by choosing our party candidates.”

“We have to overcome our weakness in building the party in Maharashtra and also concentrate in strengthening the party,” he added.

Mr Akbaruddin Owaisi, party floor leader in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, said, “Despite several hurdles created by the ruling party and our opponents, we made our mark and it will be an inspiration to our workers and leaders to make MIM a national party.”