AIMIM Leader Claims 'Muslims Now 40% In West Bengal', Says Party Will Contest All Seats in 2026 Assembly Polls

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Tuesday claimed that Muslims now constitute over 40 per cent of West Bengal's population and announced its intention to contest all seats in the 2026 assembly elections with full determination.

The party outlined its political agenda at a press conference, addressing concerns related to Muslims, Dalits, and tribal communities in the state.

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"We are here to make a major announcement. We have contested elections in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi. In Bengal, we will contest every seat. In the last panchayat elections, AIMIM secured 60,000 votes in Malda, 25,000 in Murshidabad, and between 15,000 and 18,000 in other areas," The Indian Express quoted AIMIM spokesperson Imran Solanki as saying.

A party leader stated that the event was organised under the leadership of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Discussions also covered the party's expansion plans and strategies for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Responding to allegations of exploiting Muslim votes, Solanki asserted that the stretch from the High Court to Fort William is Waqf property, from which the ruling Trinamool Congress benefits.

"The Trinamool exploits Waqf properties. If the government seeks Muslim votes, they should disclose the accounts of the Waqf Board to us," he stated.

Solanki highlighted that the last Census was conducted in 2011 and argued that an updated count would confirm that the Muslim population in Bengal has exceeded 40 per cent.

"They come to power with the help of Muslim votes but fail to do anything for us. We believe that it is due to the 90 per cent Muslim vote that the TMC is able to form the government here," he added.

He criticised both the TMC and the BJP, describing them as two sides of the same coin, alleging that they secure power through Muslim votes but neglect the community's concerns.

Solanki further accused Mamata Banerjee's TMC of misleading the people of Bengal, claiming that the party only extends support to minorities during election periods.