AIMIM Leader Syed Asim Waqar Joins Congress Ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls 2027

AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar joined the Congress on Wednesday, September 2, ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, and criticised his former party for allegedly weakening opposition forces that are seeking to defeat the BJP. Waqar joined the Congress at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of senior party leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, state Congress president Ajay Rai and Minority Department chairman Imran Pratapgarhi.

The move comes as political parties prepare for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh polls and is being viewed as a setback for the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM, which has been seeking to expand its political presence in the state. Raghav Chadha Joins BJP; Says AAP ‘Deeply Trapped in the Hands of Corrupt Individuals’ (Watch Videos).

AIMIM Leader Syed Asim Waqar Joins Congress

Thx @shayarimran जी https://t.co/OAGsUdXYGt

— syed asim waqar (@syedasimwaqar) September 2, 2026

नए सफ़र की शुरुआत

शुक्रिया @rahulgandhi जी @incindia @advrajendrapal जी @kashikirai जी https://t.co/WRWVcVuB5f

— syed asim waqar (@syedasimwaqar) September 2, 2026

Syed Asim Waqar Criticises AIMIM

After joining the Congress, Waqar alleged that AIMIM's stated opposition to the BJP does not match its political activity on the ground. He said he had concluded that the party often contests or confronts forces that are themselves opposed to the BJP, rather than focusing exclusively on defeating the ruling party.

Waqar argued that opposition unity was necessary to remove the BJP from power and said he had chosen to join Congress because he believed it could provide a broader platform for that objective. Rakhi Jadhav Joins BJP: Jolt to Sharad Pawar As Mumbai NCP (SP) Chief Joins Bharatiya Janata Party Ahead of BMC Polls 2026 (See Pics and Video).

His comments amount to a direct criticism of AIMIM's electoral strategy, particularly its decision to contest elections independently in areas where Congress and other opposition parties are also seeking support.

Congress Welcomes Waqar

Congress leaders welcomed Waqar into the party at the AICC office in Delhi.

Rajendra Pal Gautam said the Congress was working on issues including education, employment, students, women and marginalised sections of society. He described Waqar's decision as part of a wider movement around the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

The induction also took place in the presence of Ajay Rai and Imran Pratapgarhi, giving the move added significance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections.

Focus Shifts To Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is expected to be a key battleground in the next round of state politics, with parties preparing to consolidate their support bases well ahead of polling.

AIMIM has been attempting to establish itself as a political force beyond its traditional stronghold in Hyderabad. The party has previously contested elections in Uttar Pradesh and other states, seeking to build a broader organisational and electoral presence.

Waqar's departure could therefore attract attention as AIMIM prepares for another electoral contest in the state. However, its impact on voting patterns will depend on the party's organisation and the wider opposition strategy.

AIMIM Yet To Respond

Waqar's criticism is directed at AIMIM and its leadership, but the allegations represent his political assessment following his departure from the party.

AIMIM's broader electoral strategy has often drawn criticism from opposition parties, which have argued that its presence in certain constituencies can divide anti-BJP votes. AIMIM and Owaisi have rejected such characterisations in the past and maintained that the party contests elections to represent its own political constituency.As of Wednesday, there was no immediate detailed response from AIMIM to Waqar's latest allegations.

What The Move Means Ahead Of UP Polls

Waqar's switch gives the Congress a prominent former AIMIM spokesperson at a time when opposition parties are preparing for the Uttar Pradesh elections. For Congress, the move provides an opportunity to reinforce its message on opposition unity and consolidate support among sections of voters where AIMIM has attempted to expand its influence.

For AIMIM, the immediate challenge will be to maintain its organisational structure and electoral campaign in Uttar Pradesh following the departure of one of its prominent public faces. The political significance of Waqar's move will ultimately depend on whether his switch translates into organisational support or changes in voter preferences during the election campaign.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).