Bahraich: As preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2027 gather pace, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced its first candidate for the upcoming polls, marking an early start to its campaign in the state.
Party chief Asaduddin Owaisi declared that Uttar Pradesh AIMIM president Shaukat Ali will contest from the Matera Assembly constituency in Bahraich district. The announcement was made during a public gathering, where Owaisi reportedly consulted supporters before finalising the name.
Calling it the beginning of a larger political push, Owaisi said the party aims to reshape electoral dynamics in Matera, Bahraich, and across Uttar Pradesh through what he described as the strength of “unity and mobilisation”.
The Matera seat is currently held by Samajwadi Party MLA Maria Shah, wife of former minister Yasir Shah, making the contest potentially significant and closely watched in the region’s political landscape.
With AIMIM entering the fray, political observers say the constituency could witness a more complex multi-cornered contest, particularly given debates over the possible impact of the party on Muslim vote consolidation in the region.
During his address, Owaisi struck a defiant tone, asserting that his party would not be intimidated by “bulldozer politics or fear of encounters.” He said AIMIM would continue to stand firm on its ideological positions and political identity.
Referring to the Chief Minister and governance policies, Owaisi also cited constitutional provisions and central livestock-related schemes while raising questions linked to agricultural and trade policies, including discussions around beef export regulations.
Party leaders said the candidate announcement is part of a broader strategy to expand AIMIM’s organisational footprint in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 state elections.
