Kolkata: In a major political move, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Thursday announced its decision to contest all seats in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The party justified its expansion into Bengal by claiming that the state’s Muslim population now exceeds 40%, making it a crucial political force.

During a press conference, AIMIM spokesperson Imran Solanki laid out the party’s political strategy and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking Muslim votes for granted without delivering real benefits.

AIMIM’s Big Announcement: “We Will Fight on All Seats”

"We fought in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi. Now, we will fight in Bengal on all seats," Solanki declared at the press conference.

Citing past electoral performance, he highlighted that:
AIMIM received 60,000 votes in Malda during the last panchayat elections.
25,000 votes in Murshidabad and 15,000-18,000 votes in other districts.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reportedly supervised the event, directing the party’s strategy for Bengal’s expansion.

AIMIM Accuses TMC of Exploiting Muslim Votes & Waqf Properties

In a direct attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, Solanki accused the state government of misusing Waqf properties in Kolkata and failing to be transparent about their accounts.

"The Trinamool takes advantage of Waqf properties. If the government wants Muslim votes, they should share the accounts of the Waqf Board with us," he said.

He further alleged that:
TMC remains in power because of Muslim votes but does little for the community.
The party’s support for minorities only lasts until elections.

"Bengal’s Muslim Population is Now Over 40%" – AIMIM Demands Census Update

AIMIM also demanded a new Census, claiming that the last one conducted in 2011 does not reflect the current demographics.

"They come to power using Muslim votes, but they don’t do anything for us. The reality is that 90% of Muslims in Bengal vote for the TMC, and that is why Mamata Banerjee is in power."

The 2021 Census was delayed, and AIMIM leaders believe that an updated enumeration would confirm their assertion that Muslims now make up more than 40% of Bengal’s population.

TMC & BJP are “Two Sides of the Same Coin” – AIMIM’s Direct Attack

AIMIM’s political attack wasn’t limited to the TMC. Solanki slammed both the TMC and BJP, accusing them of:
Using Muslim votes for political gain without real reforms.
Creating a false narrative of secularism while neglecting community issues.

"The TMC and BJP are two sides of the same coin. Both use the Muslim community for their benefit and then forget about us."

AIMIM’s entry into Bengal’s electoral battle could disrupt TMC’s Muslim vote base, which has traditionally helped Mamata Banerjee secure back-to-back victories against the BJP.

Political Reactions & Impact on 2026 Elections

Will AIMIM Hurt TMC’s Vote Bank?

AIMIM’s entry into Bengal politics could split Muslim votes, which have overwhelmingly backed the TMC since 2011.
This could benefit the BJP, which relies on Hindu consolidation, making the 2026 elections highly unpredictable.

Will Mamata Banerjee Respond?

The TMC has yet to issue an official response, but party insiders may attack AIMIM as a "vote cutter" helping the BJP.
In past elections, Mamata has accused AIMIM of being BJP’s "B-Team", a charge Owaisi has always denied.

What’s Next for AIMIM in Bengal?

With AIMIM officially entering Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections, the party will now focus on:
Strengthening grassroots presence in districts with high Muslim populations like Malda, Murshidabad, and North 24 Parganas.
Targeting Muslim youth and marginalized groups who feel underrepresented.
Building an alternative to the TMC, pitching itself as a true representative of Muslim interests.

Why is AIMIM contesting all seats in Bengal?

AIMIM believes that Bengal’s Muslim population (now over 40%) is not being adequately represented and wants to challenge the TMC’s monopoly over Muslim votes.

How will this affect Mamata Banerjee and TMC?

If AIMIM splits Muslim votes, it could weaken the TMC’s dominance, potentially benefiting the BJP in certain constituencies.

Is AIMIM aligned with the BJP?

Owaisi has denied any links to BJP, but critics argue that AIMIM’s presence helps BJP by dividing opposition votes.

What does AIMIM say about the Census?

AIMIM argues that the Muslim population in Bengal has grown beyond 40% and wants a new Census to confirm this.

Will AIMIM be a major player in 2026?

While AIMIM is still a small party in Bengal, if it gains traction in key Muslim-dominated districts, it could change the election equation significantly.

A Game-Changer or Vote Splitter?

With West Bengal heading towards a high-stakes election in 2026, AIMIM’s full-fledged entry could reshape political dynamics.

If successful, AIMIM could emerge as a new force in Bengal politics.
If it only splits votes, it could end up helping the BJP by weakening the TMC.

Whatever happens, Asaduddin Owaisi’s party is now a player in Bengal’s battle for power.