Why Is Owaisi Not Backing Hina Shahab? Rajya Sabha Numbers Leave Bihar Leaders Scrambling

Patna, Bihar: Political equations in Bihar have grown increasingly complex ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerging as a decisive player. While speculation mounts over the possible candidature of Hina Shahab, the party led by Asaduddin Owaisi has made it clear that it is not ready to extend unconditional support.

Instead, AIMIM’s Bihar unit president Akhtarul Iman has openly demanded that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its allies back an AIMIM nominee for the Upper House, enabling the party to send its first-ever member from Bihar to the Rajya Sabha.

AIMIM’s Strategic Pitch

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Iman stressed that AIMIM currently has no representation in the Rajya Sabha. He argued that Owaisi’s assertive voice in Parliament has consistently raised issues concerning minorities and constitutional rights — something he believes strengthens the broader opposition narrative.

“On ideological grounds, RJD should support an AIMIM candidate,” Iman said, suggesting that such a move would amplify the opposition’s effectiveness against the BJP at the national level.

His remarks come amid reports that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is considering fielding Hina Shahab, widow of late strongman-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, as a consensus candidate to consolidate support.

Calculations Behind the Fifth Seat

Elections for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar are set to begin with nominations opening on February 26. Based on current strength in the Assembly, the NDA is comfortably positioned to win four seats. The real contest centers on the fifth seat.

The NDA reportedly requires three additional votes to secure a fifth seat, while the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) needs six extra votes. In this tight arithmetic, AIMIM’s five MLAs and the BSP’s lone legislator have assumed the role of potential kingmakers.

AIMIM’s Warning Shot

When questioned directly about supporting Hina Shahab, Iman refrained from giving a categorical response. Instead, he reiterated AIMIM’s priority: securing Rajya Sabha representation for itself. He hinted that if the Grand Alliance fails to accommodate AIMIM’s demand, the party may chart its own course.

Political observers note that the decision now rests largely with the RJD — whether to reward long-standing loyalty through Hina Shahab’s candidature or forge a new strategic understanding with Owaisi’s party.

As nomination dates approach, Bihar’s political chessboard is witnessing rapid moves, with alliances being tested and ambitions laid bare. The outcome of the fifth seat may well reshape opposition dynamics in the state.