AIMIM chief criticises Muslim neglect in Bengal and TMC emphasises public welfare

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , alleging that the state’s Muslim community remains under‑represented and socio‑economically neglected despite years of Trinamool Congress rule, as political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking to journalists in Patna, Owaisi described the representation of Muslims in government jobs as “unsatisfactory”, noting that although Muslims make up nearly 29 per cent of West Bengal’s population, they account for only around 7 per cent of government positions. He added that many Muslims in districts like Malda and Murshidabad live in “abject poverty” , face high school drop‑out rates and low literacy, particularly among girls, concerns he said were not adequately addressed by the state government.

Owaisi accused Mamata of “double standards” on minority outreach, pointing to the TMC’s Urdu manifesto for the polls while, he said, substantive representation and development for Muslims has lagged. He also highlighted last year’s Calcutta High Court cancellation of OBC certificates affecting a large number of Muslims, which he said went largely unaddressed. The AIMIM, which has allied with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party, is contesting 17 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections, focusing on minority‑dominated constituencies to appeal to discontented Muslim voters.

While the TMC has not issued a direct rebuttal to Owaisi’s specific allegations, its leaders have emphasised broader campaign themes and counter‑attacks on political rivals. Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of trying to influence the elections by importing “paid supporters” from outside the state and urged vigilance against alleged tampering with electoral rolls. TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee , have underlined the party’s promise of stability and welfare under its “Maa‑Mati‑Manush” narrative, aiming to consolidate support while countering criticism from both AIMIM and the BJP.

The West Bengal Assembly elections, in which 294 seats are at stake , are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29 , with counting on May 4 . Owaisi’s comments come amid heightened political mobilisation as parties seek to secure minority support in key districts ahead of the polls.