Maharashtra assembly polls: 'AIMIM to chart its own course if MVA doesn't revert by Sept 9 on alliance'

The AIMIM has proposed an alliance with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and will proceed independently if there is no response by September 9. AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel mentioned their interest in contesting a few seats where they have strong influence, despite ideological differences with Shiv Sena (UBT).

Imtiaz Jaleel NAGPUR: The AIMIM has given a proposal to the Maha Vikas Aghadi ( MVA ) for an alliance but will move on its own if the opposition bloc doesn't respond by September 9, party leader Imtiaz Jaleel said on Saturday. Jaleel said they are keen on contesting from a handful of seats where the Hyderabad-headquartered AIMIM has strong influence. Despite a mismatch in the ideologies of AIMIM and Shiv Sena (UBT), Jaleel said they are ready to align with the MVA out of "political compulsions" and in the interest of farmers and the people of the state.

Jaleel said they have had some talks with the leaders of MVA - Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) - over AIMIM's proposal to fight on seats where the party is strong. "We have waited a lot. What if they refuse to take us on board at the last minute? If they don't respond by September 9, we will start distributing forms for our aspiring candidates.

We are reviewing our position," he said..