Aurangabad Lok Sabha Election 2019: How AIMIM's Imtiyaz Sayad Overcame Shivsena and BJP

Introduction to the 2019 Elections

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the strategic positioning and strong grassroots support of the All India Minorities' Monga Party (AIMIM) in Aurangabad, a city in Maharashtra, were pivotal in securing a victory over the long-standing incumbent from Shivsena and the BJP. This article delves into the key factors that contributed to the surprising electoral success of Mr. Imtiyaz Sayad, the AIMIM candidate.

Probable Factors Contributing to the Defeat of the Incumbent

The outgoing member of parliament (MP) for Shivsena had a 20-year tenure, which is a significant political advantage. However, his failure to address basic public needs and his controversial behavior were the key factors in his defeat.

1. Ineffective Address of Basic Issues

The incumbent MP received a considerable number of complaints regarding the non-working state of his tenure. Issues such as poor water supply, hygiene, and road infrastructure were not adequately addressed. These problems significantly affected the quality of life of the local community, making it easy for the opposition to exploit these grievances.

2. Overemphasis on Hinduism

Despite public outrage, the incumbent MP continued to chant on Hinduism. This approach was ineffective and led to further alienation. It is crucial for politicians to be sensitive to the diverse socio-cultural landscape of their constituencies and avoid alienating potential voters.

Factors Leading to AIMIM's Triumph

The victory of Mr. Imtiyaz Sayad, the AIMIM candidate, was primarily due to effective campaigning, strong party support, and the strategic shift of voter allegiance.

1. BJP’s Strategic Support

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra was instrumental in supporting the Shivsena candidate's son-in-law politically. By leveraging its political influence and supporters, the BJP managed to swing a significant number of Maratha voters, who form a dominant political force in the region.

2. Transfer of Dalit Votes

A crucial factor in Mr. Sayad's victory was the transfer of Dalit votes following the urging of prominent leader Prakash Ambedkar. Ambedkar, a key figure in the Dalit community, strongly advised this demographic to vote for the AIMIM candidate. This strategic appeal to the Dalit voters proved to be decisive in the election.

Summary and Analysis

In the 2019 Aurangabad Lok Sabha election, Mr. Imtiyaz Sayad's victory was marked by a marginal lead of around 4500 votes against the Shivsena candidate, Mr. Chandrakant Khaire. Harshwardhan Jadhav, a BJP candidate, polled approximately 2.8 lacs votes. The election highlighted the importance of addressing public needs, community sensitivity, and effective strategic alliances in securing victories in competitive elections.

Conclusion

The 2019 elections in Aurangabad reaffirmed the power of political strategy and community support. AIMIM's Imtiyaz Sayad capitalized on the challenges faced by his opponent and successfully navigated political waters that led to a surprising yet significant victory. This case study serves as a valuable lesson for political aspirants and party strategists alike.

Keywords

Aurangabad Lok Sabha Election, AIMIM, Shivsena, BJP