(16 Jul) Hyderabad: In a strategic move, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) which had recently announced that it would go it alone in the G...
(16 Jul) Hyderabad: In a strategic move, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) which had recently announced that it would go it alone in the GHMC elections, now decided to have a post-poll alliance with the TRS, similar to earlier elections where MIM had partnered with TDP and Congress, according to reliable sources. MIM, which despite maintaining close relationship with the ruling party, never had electoral understanding with ruling parties even in the undivided Andhra Pradesh. Sources said that this decision of MIM would not affect the TRS in any manner because the former would put up candidates in the wards where TRS was weak and this would, in fact, help both the parties. "We will partner with TRS after elections," said a senior MIM leader. Political analysts point out that the MIM does not want to turn away its votes to any other political party by announcing pre-poll alliance. The MIM feels that if it enters into pre-poll alliance with TRS, it would result in erosion of its vote bank and it would amount to endorsing issues like Alair encounter. It also fears that if they have pre-poll alliance the Congress might try to launch a campaign that MIM was not bothered about 12 percent reservation for Muslims. In 2009 elections, MIM fielded 70 candidates and won 43 wards. The percentage of vote was only 14.44. The Congress fielded 150 candidates but won only 52, with voting percentage 28.4. This time MIM is understood to have decided to field more Dalit candidates.Its rival Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), which take up issues that are sensitive to the Muslim community points out that the MIM will continue 'match-fixing' with the ruling party. Earlier, the party allied with the Congress and adjustments were made during the elections, while non-Muslim candidates divided votes. The MBT has been alleging that the delimitation of wards in GHMC area was influenced by MIM, so that it could gain maximum benefit. "Even during the time of Congress, the MIM was benefitted. You can see how wards in South Zone are divided, they remain small compared to other wards," says Amjedullah Khan, MBT leader. By:Md Nizamuddin (thehansindia)
