'Zero Development': Owaisi Tears Into TMC, Blames It For BJP’s Rise In Bengal

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 14:49 IST

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi alleges bias in West Bengal poll campaign, attacks TMC over "zero-development."

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi has sharpened his campaign rhetoric ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, accusing rival parties of neglecting development and engaging in politics.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Owaisi alleged bias by local authorities after he was denied permission to campaign. “We have not been given permission because of the bias of the local observers here…Nobody wants to see the civic issues that we are facing and development has been zero in these constituencies," he said.

The AIMIM leader also targeted the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming its governance enabled the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. “TMC is the reason why the BJP got entry here," he stated.

Referring to senior BJP leader and leader of Opposition in the state, Suvendu Adhikari, Owaisi said, “Suvendu Adhikari, who is making big claims, was the first person to take us to the agitation by Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram…"

The Hyderabad MP further accused both the TMC and the Indian National Congress (INC) of working together, stating, “TMC and Congress have been partners in crime."

On the issue of infiltration, the five-time parliamentarian questioned the BJP’s stance and dared the party to send Bangladeshi-Swedish author Taslima Nasreen back. “If the BJP is so serious about infiltrators, they should remove Taslima Nasreen first.

He alleged that parties were “playing games" when it comes to border security. “I want to ask the government of the day why it is not happening," he stated.

Owaisi also said that people from Muslim communities were seeking leadership that genuinely represents their concerns instead of treating them as mere “vote bank." “Muslims are looking for options for leaders who can take up their issues and not use them as a vote bank," he further added.

The remarks come as campaigning intensifies in key constituencies, with multiple parties vying to consolidate support ahead of the crucial polling phase. The second phase of polling is scheduled for May 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

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