Hyderabad: While the BJP and the Congress claim that he will lose for his divisive politics and “goondaism”, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi is sure that development work and a strong connect with people will help him retain the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat for the fourth time. The Hyderabad constituency is traditionally an AIMIM stronghold and the party has been winning the seat since 1984.
There are 15 candidates in the fray from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat. BJP has fielded J Bhagwant Rao, Feroz Khan is contesting on Congress ticket, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has fielded Puste Srikanth, though the party is backing Owaisi.
As reported by the Hans India, during his campaign Owaisi, whose election symbol is ‘kite’, is meeting people at their homes, organising padyatras, interactions and meetings, especially with young voters and students and is seeking votes on ‘hamare kaam ki buniyaad par’ (on the basis of their work). Asaduddin, who is being accompanied by his brother and AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi on his campaign trail is confident of a win from the seat.
Hans India has quoted Owaisi as saying, “With my MPLAD expenditure, my focus has always been on investing in our children’s future, their health, education and well-being.” He added, “I am contesting this election on my record, and a lot more needs to be done and Inshallah I’ll work towards it”. Owaisi brothers are targeting the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a number of issues, including the Pulwama terror attack and the ‘Main bhi Chowkidar’ campaign.
Alleging that the AIMIM is not a secular party and accusing it of being a “destructive” force, BJP candidate Bhagwant Rao said people will support the BJP as they want to see Modi as prime minister again. He further alleged that AIMIM leaders divide people and instigate minorities and take their votes. They have acquired huge wealth.
However, Congress candidate Feroz Khan said the competition for the seat is between his party and the AIMIM, as the BJP has fielded a “dummy” candidate. Claiming that the people want to bring about change and said the Congress is the alternative, he says, “For 40 years the AIMIM spread only darkness and ‘god willing’, the Congress will bring the sun to drive away this darkness.” He added that the AIMIM wins elections by indulging in “goondaism, rowdyism and through bogus votes”.
A section of voters, however, believe that it will be a one-sided election again in Hyderabad and Asaduddin’s victory is certain.