‘Let’s talk before it’s too late’: Owaisi offers alliance to Akhilesh ahead of 2027 polls
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi says his party is prepared to work with the Samajwadi Party to prevent the BJP from retaining power in the state
With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections drawing closer, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has publicly proposed alliance talks with the Samajwadi Party, urging its chief Akhilesh Yadav to initiate discussions well before the polls.
Addressing a gathering in Moradabad on Saturday (July 25), Owaisi said AIMIM was prepared to work with the Samajwadi Party to prevent the BJP from retaining power in the state. He stressed that discussions should begin now before it’s too late.
Alliance offer
"The Majlis does not want the BJP to return to power in Uttar Pradesh. I am ready to join hands and form an alliance. This is the time to talk. Don't regret it after the elections are over," Owaisi said.
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Uttar Pradesh remains politically crucial as it sends the highest number of representatives to Parliament, making the Assembly election one of the most closely watched contests in the country. The Samajwadi Party, the state's principal opposition force, is expected to mount the main challenge against the BJP, led by two-time Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Pitch to SP
Referring to concerns that AIMIM's presence could split opposition votes, Owaisi said he was willing to contest alongside the Samajwadi Party rather than against it. "You say Owaisi contesting hurts you. I am ready to fight with you," he remarked.
The Hyderabad MP also reiterated that AIMIM's political struggle was not directed against any religion but was centred on securing dignity, equality and justice.
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"Our fight is for our honour and justice. We are not asking for a place on the sidelines; we seek equality. If Akhilesh sits on that chair, Owaisi will sit on the floor before him and speak about rights and justice," he said.
BJP hits back
The BJP dismissed Owaisi's outreach as an attempt at vote-bank politics.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla mocked the proposed alliance, alleging that both leaders were competing to appease the same voter base.
"Akhilesh Yadav and Owaisi have long competed in appeasement politics. Now they have set aside the contest over who will be the bigger 'bhaijaan' and are looking at a 'bhaijaan collaboration'. Owaisi is effectively sending Akhilesh ji a friend request," Poonawalla said.
He further claimed that Owaisi and Akhilesh Yadav represented "two sides of the same coin."