AIMIM makes inroads in Bengal panchayat elections, victory in Murshidabad booth

Asaduddin Owaisi's party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has registered a significant milestone in Bengal's political landscape by opening its account in the state's panchayat elections held in 2023.

In a historic win, AIMIM emerged victorious in booth number 61 of the Diwansarai Gram Panchayat, located in the Lalgola assembly constituency of Murshidabad.

The triumph of Asaduddin Owaisi's party in this particular panchayat area carries substantial political significance, according to analysts closely observing Bengal's political dynamics. 

During the 19th assembly elections in Bengal, AIMIM fielded candidates but failed to secure any seats. However, their recent victory in the panchayat elections marks a turning point for the party's presence in the state.

The election results have triggered a war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Allegations have been made, particularly by the TMC, suggesting that Asaduddin Owaisi's party is acting as a "vote splitter" or a "B-team" for the BJP in Bengal politics.

The enthusiastic response from AIMIM supporters in the Murshidabad region, following their victory in Lalgola, was visible as party workers and supporters waved MIM flags and chanted slogans.

The TMC, which has been critical of AIMIM's role in Bengal, has repeatedly accused the party of being a proxy for the BJP. However, AIMIM's participation in both the assembly and panchayat elections indicates its intention to establish a foothold in the state.