BJP’s B-team Owaisi played a spoiler, responsible for the defeat RJD & allies; says Shivanand Tiwari

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi is single handedly responsible for the defeat of the Grand Alliance in Bihar, said senior RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.

Calling Owaisi the B-team of the BJP-RSS, the socialist leader said that Owaisi fought the election at the behest of the BJP in order to defeat the Grand Alliance in Bihar in “an election that could, otherwise, had the potential to change the politics of the country.”

“Have you ever heard the BJP-RSS calling Owaisi a traitor or anti national?” asked Tiwari.

“Where there is election, especially in Muslim dominated areas, Owaisi fields his party's candidates. Why? Despite knowing that he will not be able to defeat the BJP-RSS or will be able to form the government, he fights. Because his purpose is to further the BJP-RSS agenda,” added socialist veteran.

AIMIM has won five seats in the Bihar assembly elections and affected results by dividing secular votes in at least 10 more seats, say observers.

During the campaign, Owaisi targeted RJD-Congress-Left more than the BJP-JDU alliance.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was first to raise questions over Owaisi's agenda. He said on Tuesday, “Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) tactic of using (Asaduddin) Owaisi Sahab's party in the Bihar elections has succeeded to an extent.”

“All secular parties (dharm nirpeksh) should be alert about vote cutter Owaisi Sahab,” he added.

The AIMIM had fielded candidates in 19 seats of which 14 fell in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region.

The party formed an alliance with Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party and Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party in the region.

Analysts believe that had there not been Owaisi, Grand Alliance would have won the election.

National Herald was first to report that the Seemanchal region holds the key.

The region which comprises Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj and Araria districts, accounting for 24 assembly seats, has a 47% Muslim population as against Bihar’s state-wide average of 17%.

In some Muslim seats such as Kishanganj, Muslims account for 70% of the population.

Owaisi however refuted charges and said those who call us a spoiler got a befitting reply from the people.

“We had promised the people of Seemanchal that we would get them justice. It is one of the most backward sections, not only of Bihar, but of the entire country. We will ensure we bring development to the region,” Owaisi claimed.