Patna: In a first-of-its-kind move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has made it mandatory for all ticket aspirants to take an oath of loyalty in the presence of God before being considered for candidature.
The party’s Bihar unit president said the decision was taken after four of the five AIMIM MLAs who won in the 2020 Assembly elections later joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). “This time, we will not take any chances,” the leader said, emphasizing that loyalty and discipline will be the top priority in candidate selection.
Oath Before God to Prevent Defections
Under the new rule, ticket seekers are required to fill out an affidavit and take an oath in front of two witnesses. The pledge, sworn with God as witness, binds the aspirants to remain loyal to AIMIM—whether or not they are granted a ticket.
The text of the oath reads:
“I swear in the presence of God that I am a member of AIMIM. I have submitted my candidacy for the party’s assembly elections. If the party grants me a ticket, I will remain loyal, win, and stay with the party forever. If I am not granted a ticket, I will not rebel and will support the party’s official candidate.”
The oath, party sources said, is intended to ensure ideological commitment and prevent rebellion or defection, which has plagued several political parties in Bihar over the years.
Preparing to Contest Over 32 Seats
AIMIM is preparing to field candidates in more than 32 constituencies this time. So far, nearly 200 aspirants have submitted their biodata from different parts of the state, and each must first go through the oath-taking process before being considered for selection.
Party officials said 29 candidates have already completed the oath, including Bahadurganj candidate Tausif Alam, state president Akhtarul Iman, and national spokesperson Adil Hasan.
Political Reactions and Debate
The AIMIM’s decision has sparked a new debate in Bihar’s political circles. While some view it as a measure to instill accountability and discipline among party workers, others have called it an unusual step that blurs the line between religion and politics.
Political observers say the move reflects the party’s determination to prevent internal strife and defections as it looks to strengthen its base beyond Seemanchal, where AIMIM performed well in 2020.
With loyalty now bound by oath, AIMIM’s experiment is being closely watched across Bihar’s political landscape.
