In a significant political development ahead of the Rajya Sabha election in Bihar, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced support for the opposition alliance candidate, strengthening the chances of the Mahagathbandhan in the closely watched contest.
The announcement was made by Bihar AIMIM president Akhtarul Iman after an Iftar gathering attended by senior opposition leaders.
Tejashwi Attends Iftar Meeting
The breakthrough came after Tejashwi Yadav attended an Iftar party hosted by Akhtarul Iman at his residence on Sunday.
Following the meeting, Iman declared that all five AIMIM MLAs in the Bihar Assembly would vote for Mahagathbandhan candidate Amarendra Dhari Singh in the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for Monday.
The move is expected to significantly improve the opposition alliance’s numbers in the crucial parliamentary contest.
Tejashwi Seeks Support to Defeat BJP
Speaking after the meeting, Tejashwi Yadav said the opposition alliance had sought AIMIM’s support in the election.
“Akhtarul Iman from the AIMIM party had invited us for Iftar, and we have arrived here today for the Iftar. We have sought support from the AIMIM party, and I am confident that in tomorrow’s Rajya Sabha election, all secular parties will come together to defeat the BJP,” Tejashwi said.
The statement highlights the opposition’s attempt to consolidate support against the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Upper House election.
RJD Candidate Already Backed by Allies
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has re-nominated Amarendra Dhari Singh, a prominent businessman, as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat.
Apart from AIMIM’s five MLAs, Singh already enjoys support from several opposition parties in the Bihar Assembly.
These include:
- Six MLAs from the Indian National Congress
- Two MLAs from the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation
- One MLA from the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
- One MLA from the Indian Inclusive Party
With AIMIM’s backing now confirmed, the opposition alliance’s strength in the Assembly arithmetic has increased significantly.
Opposition Unity Ahead of Key Vote
The development signals a rare moment of coordination among multiple opposition parties in Bihar.
Political observers say the Rajya Sabha election could become a test of opposition unity in the state, especially as parties attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes.
With the voting scheduled for Monday, all eyes will now be on whether the combined opposition numbers can successfully secure the seat for the Mahagathbandhan candidate.
