Patna: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said his party is prepared to support the newly formed government of Nitish Kumar in Bihar — but only if the state commits to delivering what he called “justice for Seemanchal.”
Addressing a public meeting in Amour, Owaisi criticised what he described as the administration’s long-standing focus on Patna and Rajgir, saying the state’s northeast — one of Bihar’s poorest regions — has been left to struggle with flooding, erosion, migration and systemic corruption.
“We are ready to support Nitish Kumar’s government, but the Seemanchal region must get justice,” Owaisi said. “For how long will everything remain centered around Patna and Rajgir? Seemanchal has suffered for decades. These issues can no longer be ignored.”
A region repeatedly flooded, repeatedly overlooked
Seemanchal, in Bihar’s far northeast, is home to a large Muslim population and remains among the most underdeveloped parts of the state. About 80% of residents live in rural areas, and the Kosi River brings yearly floods that devastate livelihoods.
Despite the NDA’s sweeping win in the recent assembly elections — taking 14 of the region’s 24 seats — Owaisi’s AIMIM has managed to retain its footprint. The party won five seats, matching its 2020 tally, though four of its MLAs defected to the RJD after that election.
Owaisi announces strict monitoring of his MLAs
The AIMIM chief said the party would enforce a tighter accountability mechanism to ensure local representatives remain present in their constituencies.
“All five of our MLAs will sit in their constituency offices two days a week,” he said. “They will send me photos with live WhatsApp location. This will confirm they are actually there.”
He added that he intends to visit each constituency every six months and lead efforts to fight corruption: “We will meet the common people and raise their issues. This is our commitment.”
Owaisi also issued a political warning to the new government:
“Patna has realised that the people of Seemanchal are and will remain with the Patank Chhap. The message to Patna will come from Seemanchal only.”
