Asim Waqar Joins Congress, Says Opposition Unity Needed To Defeat BJP

Former AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar joined the Congress on Wednesday, September 2, and criticised his former party for allegedly targeting opposition groups while claiming to oppose the BJP.

Owaisi's party has failed to pay attention to beating the BJP ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections, says ex-AIMIM national spokesperson.

Waqar officially entered the Congress at the party's AICC, in New Delhi. Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, Congress president in the state Ajay Rai and AICC Minority Department chairman Imran Pratapgarhi were present for the induction.

Waqar questions AIMIM’s Opposition strategy

Explaining his turnaround in the party, Waqar said political groups which have the will to get rid of the BJP should focus on attacking the ruling party and not other opposition parties.

He said his experience in AIMIM led him to believe that the party’s opposition to the BJP was undermined by its repeated confrontations with parties such as the Congress and Samajwadi Party.

“If we keep fighting the opposition and do not allow it to grow, then who are we helping?” Waqar asked.

He also said that a party which purports to oppose the BJP should make it its prime target to defeat the BJP. Waqar said Congress and Rahul Gandhi were among those that were fighting the political battle against BJP at national level.

Congress welcomes former AIMIM leader

Rajendra Pal Gautam welcomed Waqar into the Congress and said Congress is working on education, employment, students related issues, problems of women and marginalised communities under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

The presence of leaders from various political parties will strengthen Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Gautam added.

Waqar was a known face of AIMIM in Uttar Pradesh, who was believed to be close to party chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

His move to the Congress comes months ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, scheduled for early next year. The BJP is expected to face an electoral contest involving the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

Waqar's exit may create problems for AIMIM's attempts to gain political ground among the Uttar Pradesh Muslims.

The development also introduces an additional political element in the opposition's push to unite its forces to prepare for the critical state elections.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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