Lucknow: The announcement of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to contest the next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh has created a scare in the ruling Samajwadi Party in the state.
The ability of the AIMIM to slice away a section of Muslim votes, as seen in Maharashtra recently, has put the Samajwadis on tenterhooks.
Political analysts feel that if the AIMIM makes its debut in Uttar Pradesh, it will give a boost to the BJP because the ground for communal polarization is ready made in the state and the biggest loser will be the Samajwadi party that pins its hopes on its popularity among Muslims.
The AIMIM, according to sources, has already started spreading its network in UP and an activist said, “Efforts are on to identify possible candidates on all Assembly seats. We will be giving tickets to non-Muslims also if we get the right candidates.”
