AIMIM eyes 200-seat fight in UP, keeps BSP alliance option open

The AIMIM has kicked off preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, with party chief Asaduddin Owaisi choosing Bahraich as the launchpad for a plan that could see the party contest up to 200 seats across the state.

Party leaders said AIMIM is preparing for a large-scale electoral battle but remains open to alliances, including with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

According to party sources, AIMIM's current strategy is built around contesting roughly 200 Assembly constituencies.

However, the final number could change if alliance talks materialise ahead of the election.

The party has identified western Uttar Pradesh and parts of the Awadh region as key areas for expansion.

Bahraich, Balrampur, Basti and neighbouring districts are expected to be among its primary focus areas.

Owaisi is expected to formally sharpen the party's campaign during a rally in Bahraich on Sunday.

Sources said the party's Uttar Pradesh president, Shaukat Ali, could be announced as the candidate from the Matera Assembly constituency in Bahraich.

The Hyderabad MP's outreach is also aimed at strengthening AIMIM's appeal among Muslim voters who have traditionally backed the Samajwadi Party as the principal challenger to the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

Party leaders believe there is space for an alternative political platform that can attract Muslim voters without forcing them into tactical voting choices.

At the same time, AIMIM is exploring the possibility of a broader social coalition. Party insiders said efforts could be made at an appropriate stage to initiate discussions with the BSP over a potential alliance.

The party believes a Dalit-Muslim political understanding could significantly alter the electoral arithmetic in Uttar Pradesh and pose a challenge to both the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.

As part of its organisational revamp, AIMIM has divided Uttar Pradesh into four zones and appointed regional in-charges across the state.

In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, AIMIM contested 95 seats.

Of those candidates, 19 were non-Muslims, a move the party highlighted as evidence of its attempt to broaden its social and political appeal beyond its traditional support base.

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