Owaisi Questions Mahagathbandhan For Ignoring Muslim Representation, Says ‘If A Malla’s Son Can Be Deputy CM, A Mohammed’s Son Can Be PM Too’

Patna: In a fiery speech ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday questioned the Mahagathbandhan alliance over its decision not to name a Muslim candidate for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, asserting that the state’s large Muslim population deserves political representation at the highest levels.

Addressing an election rally in Kishanganj, Owaisi took a direct swipe at the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, which has named Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani — a leader from the Malla community — as its Deputy CM face.

“Sitting next to Tejashwi Yadav, Mukesh Bhai of the VIP Party, confident in his community’s history, declared that the Malla community is with Tejashwi. The Malla community represents 3% of Bihar’s population. He declared that if they gain power, he will become the Deputy CM,” Owaisi said.

He further questioned why the 17% Muslim population of Bihar should remain politically sidelined.

“If a Malla’s son will become the Deputy Chief Minister, what will the 17% minority community in Bihar do? Are they only to spread ‘dari’ (carpet)?” Owaisi asked.

The AIMIM leader went on to declare that Muslims, too, have the right to aspire for the top political posts in the country.

“If a Malla’s son can become the Deputy Chief Minister, then Mohammed’s son can also become the Prime Minister or Chief Minister. Nothing can stop us from achieving our goals. Remember, the more you dream, the more you trust in Allah’s will, and the more you strive along the way, the clearer your path will become,” he added.

The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahani, draws its core support from the Mallah, Nishad, and Sahni communities, which together form a significant voting bloc in the state.

Meanwhile, AIMIM has announced a list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling its intent to expand its presence beyond its traditional strongholds in Seemanchal.

The 2025 Bihar elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, will see a fierce contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — comprising the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha — and the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, along with the Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, CPM, and Mukesh Sahani’s VIP.