Lucknow: Political tensions between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are escalating ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi now exchanging political attacks through couplets and poetry.
The latest exchange began after Akhilesh took an indirect swipe at Owaisi in a post on social media platform X, accusing some politicians of visiting Uttar Pradesh only during elections and disappearing once the polls are over.
Without naming anyone, Akhilesh described such leaders as political opportunists who arrive during election season, speak at the behest of their political masters and leave after pursuing their interests.
AIMIM spokesperson Shadab Chauhan responded in a similar poetic style, questioning Akhilesh’s secular credentials and the SP’s record on issues concerning Muslims. He referred to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and accused the Samajwadi Party of seeking Muslim votes without adequately standing by the community during difficult times.
The exchange has brought the rivalry between the two parties into sharper focus, particularly over their influence among Muslim voters.
Ayodhya visit adds to political friction
The political sparring has also intensified following Akhilesh’s announcement that he would visit Ayodhya on December 12 to offer prayers at Ram Lalla and Hanumangarhi. AIMIM leaders have questioned the SP’s political positioning and its approach towards Muslim voters following the announcement.
Owaisi has been increasing AIMIM’s political activity in Uttar Pradesh, frequently targeting Akhilesh and accusing the SP of using Muslim support for electoral gains without adequately addressing the community’s concerns.
Akhilesh, meanwhile, has ruled out an alliance with AIMIM and indicated that the SP intends to continue its existing political arrangement with the Congress.
Battle for Muslim support ahead of 2027
The growing war of words reflects an emerging contest between the SP and AIMIM for political influence among Muslim voters ahead of the Assembly elections. AIMIM is seeking to expand its presence in Muslim-dominated constituencies and is also exploring the possibility of building a Dalit-Muslim political alliance.
For the SP, which has traditionally enjoyed considerable support among Muslim voters, AIMIM’s growing political activity presents an additional electoral challenge.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the exchange of poetic barbs could develop into a wider political confrontation over Muslim representation, electoral alliances and the future of opposition politics in Uttar Pradesh.
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