Asaduddin Owaisi's Party in Bihar Expresses Desire to Join Mahagathbandhan, Writes to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Will Minority Consolidation Help BJP ?

In a politically significant move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, AIMIM Bihar state president Akhtarul Iman has formally written to RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav, urging him to include AIMIM in the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). The letter, dated July 2, 2025, outlines AIMIM’s intention to prevent the division of secular votes, which the party believes helps communal forces gain power.

AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman writes to RJD chief Lalu Yadav to include AIMIM in the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) pic.twitter.com/n3qvMtJo1Y

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2025

Akhtarul Iman, a sitting MLA from Amour (Purnia) and a key face of Asaduddin Owaisi’s party in Bihar, has reminded the RJD chief of AIMIM’s active presence in Bihar politics since 2015 and its consistent stance on secular unity during elections.

Preventing Vote Split to Defeat BJP

In the letter, Iman emphasizes that AIMIM had expressed similar interest in joining the alliance during previous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, but its efforts were unsuccessful. Citing the need to avoid a repeat of past vote splits, Iman argues that uniting under the Mahagathbandhan banner could lead to the formation of a strong secular government in Bihar.

“If we all fight the upcoming Assembly elections together, I am confident we will be able to prevent the scattering of secular votes and ensure that the next government in Bihar belongs to the Mahagathbandhan,” the letter reads.

Internal Talks Already Underway?

Iman also noted that he has already spoken orally and over the phone with several senior leaders of the RJD, Congress, and Left parties regarding this proposal. He adds that discussions around the matter are already being reported in the media.

What Does This Mean for Bihar Politics?

If AIMIM is brought into the alliance, it could change the political arithmetic in several minority-dominated seats, especially in Seemanchal, where the party has a strong base. However, it could also polarize the electoral environment, potentially giving BJP an advantage if Hindu voters consolidate in response.

Political analysts believe that while AIMIM’s inclusion may help consolidate minority votes, it could also disrupt existing seat-sharing dynamics and trigger backlash from other Mahagathbandhan partners who may view AIMIM as a spoiler or an ideological misfit.

For now, all eyes are on Lalu Prasad Yadav and the RJD leadership’s response to this appeal. With Assembly elections nearing, the question remains: Will the Mahagathbandhan open its doors to AIMIM, or will it risk another cycle of vote fragmentation?