AIMIM intensifies campaign for AP local body polls, urges voters to remember TDP-BJP alliance

Ahead of the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) stepped up its campaign pressing into action sitting legislators and former corporators from Telangana, and party workers from other states.

The AIMIM has fielded candidates in the civic bodies that include Vijaywada Municipal Corporation, Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Hindupur Municipality, Nandyal Municipality and Rayadurg Municipality.

“The party started its official, full-fledged campaign which saw MLAs, MLCs, and ex-corporators from GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) on October 19. The MLAs who campaigned are Kausar Mohiuddin, Jafar Hussain Meraj, Mohammed Mubeen, and Majid Hussain. Riyaz ul Hasan Effendi is the MLC there. All ex-corporators were given different responsibilities,” said an AIMIM functionary, adding that the workers were joined by former AIMIM legislator from Byculla, Maharashtra, Waris Pathan. “The party is optimistic of winning several seats,” he said.

The campaign trail saw public meetings, and (paidal daura) canvassing on foot where party workers interacted with locals. Largely, discussions and speeches entailed underscoring local, developmental and civic issues, the functionary stated. Apart from contesting in several wards, the party has mayoral candidates such as Naseem Bano in Kadapa Municipal Corporation, and a chairperson candidate in Hindupur Municipality with Shaik Imran contesting there.

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi did not campaign on account of other commitments.

On Friday, Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi issued a statement appealing to the electors of Andhra Pradesh to cast their vote in favour of the party’s candidates. He said that this would ensure that ‘your own’ leadership is created.

The Hyderabad parliamentarian urged the public to keep in mind that the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which brought in the new Waqf Act intending to snatch masjids and graveyards.