All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi took a sharp dig at the INDIA bloc on Tuesday, comparing their Bihar seat-sharing fiasco to “children crying ‘mummy, they stole my chocolate’”. His satirical swipe comes amid intensifying tensions within the opposition alliance over upcoming bypolls and 2025 Assembly poll preparations in Bihar.
What Did Owaisi Say?
Addressing party workers in Hyderabad after Eid-ul-Adha prayers, Owaisi mocked the fractured seat-sharing talks within INDIA bloc parties, saying:
“These people are like children fighting over chocolate. ‘Mummy, they stole my chocolate!’ Bihar’s people are watching. Their politics is about who gets which seat, not about real issues.”
His analogy triggered laughter among AIMIM cadres while underlining his long-standing criticism of Congress and RJD-led alliances as “opportunistic groupings without ideological commitment to marginalised communities.”
The Context: INDIA Bloc’s Bihar Dilemma
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of Congress, RJD, Left parties, and smaller regional outfits, has been struggling to finalise its seat-sharing formula in Bihar due to:
- RJD-Congress disagreements over Lok Sabha bypoll nominations.
- Left parties demanding more seats citing their cadre strength in central Bihar.
- JDU’s ambiguous stand, with Nitish Kumar’s recent moves suggesting potential strategic neutrality despite earlier opposition unity attempts.
This internal discord has weakened the alliance’s preparation ahead of critical by-elections in two Lok Sabha seats and six Assembly segments, scheduled later this year.
Why Owaisi Targeted The INDIA Bloc
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Political positioning | AIMIM seeks to project itself as the only “consistent voice for Bihar’s marginalised Muslims and Dalits.” |
| Weakening opposition unity | INDIA bloc infighting benefits AIMIM’s electoral prospects in Seemanchal region. |
| National relevance | Owaisi aims to expand AIMIM beyond Telangana, asserting its independence from national opposition groupings. |
Owaisi’s Stand On Bihar Politics
In recent months, Asaduddin Owaisi has intensified his Bihar outreach:
- Focus On Seemanchal:
AIMIM’s base in Muslim-majority districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnia remains strong. Owaisi has repeatedly visited these areas, addressing unemployment, education deprivation, and flood relief issues. - Criticism Of RJD:
He often accuses RJD of “betraying Muslims for power” while allying with BJP in the past, reminding voters of 2017’s political reversals in Bihar. - Position On Congress:
Owaisi dismisses Congress as a “non-serious player” in Bihar and UP, accusing it of weakening regional secular parties.
INDIA Bloc’s Seat-Sharing Rift: Recent Developments
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| June 22 | RJD demands both upcoming Lok Sabha bypoll seats, citing previous victories. |
| June 25 | Congress threatens independent contest if not allotted at least one seat. |
| June 27 | Left parties hold press conference demanding fair representation in Assembly bypolls. |
| July 1 | JDU leaders skip INDIA bloc coordination meeting, intensifying uncertainty. |
Reactions To Owaisi’s Dig
The AIMIM chief’s comments sparked reactions across Bihar’s political spectrum:
- Congress spokesperson Prem Chandra:
“Owaisi thrives on dividing secular votes to help BJP. His chocolate jibe is childish.” - RJD MLA Bhai Virendra:
“He is irrelevant in Bihar except in two or three districts. His aim is to weaken opposition unity.” - CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya:
“We don’t take his rhetoric seriously. Our focus is people’s issues, not chocolates.”
Analysts’ View: Is AIMIM Rising In Bihar?
Political observers note AIMIM remains a formidable force in Seemanchal, holding:
| District | AIMIM Vote Share (2020) | MLA Presence (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Kishanganj | 30% | Won 1 seat |
| Araria | 20-25% | Won 1 seat |
| Katihar | 18-22% | Won 2 seats |
| Purnia | 15-20% | No seat but strong 2nd position in 2 segments |
However, their expansion to central and western Bihar remains limited. Owaisi is now:
- Planning 20 public meetings from August-September.
- Roping in local Pasmanda Muslim leaders to broaden caste outreach.
- Targeting youth voters through educational rights campaigns and minority scholarship rallies.
Strategic Importance Of Seemanchal For All Parties
Seemanchal’s 24 Assembly and 4 Lok Sabha seats with a large Muslim population remain crucial for:
- RJD: Retaining its core minority vote bank.
- Congress: Maintaining electoral relevance in Bihar.
- BJP: Limited influence but actively wooing Pasmanda Muslim votes.
- AIMIM: Expansion base to establish itself as Bihar’s third force.
Owaisi’s National Impact
While AIMIM has limited Lok Sabha presence (currently 2 MPs from Hyderabad and Aurangabad), Owaisi’s strong oratory and ability to shape minority narratives keep him relevant in:
- Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: Emerging as alternative Muslim leadership.
- Maharashtra: Holding Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat and Nanded civic influence.
- West Bengal: Attempting small-scale outreach in border districts.
Broader Implications For INDIA Bloc
Owaisi’s jibe amplifies public perception of INDIA bloc’s fragile unity. Combined with Nitish Kumar’s unpredictable stance, it raises questions about:
- Seat-sharing sustainability before 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
- Leadership tussle within the alliance lacking a clear CM face if Nitish Kumar exits or adopts neutrality.
- Impact on Muslim voters, who may look towards AIMIM if internal rifts worsen and anti-BJP votes appear split.
Conclusion
Asaduddin Owaisi’s “mummy they stole chocolate” remark is more than a casual dig. It strategically positions AIMIM as an alternative voice for Bihar’s minorities while exposing INDIA bloc’s internal fragility. For Bihar’s opposition alliance, bridging differences swiftly is crucial to counter both the BJP’s electoral machinery and Owaisi’s growing presence in Seemanchal. For voters, it remains a question of which party can deliver development with dignity in India’s poorest and most complex state.
Disclaimer: This report is based on political speeches, election data, and party statements. Readers are encouraged to follow updates for final seat-sharing announcements ahead of upcoming bypolls.
