AIMIM National Spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar Joins Congress in New Delhi

AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar joined the Congress on Wednesday at the party headquarters at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi. Upon his induction, Waqar launched a sharp attack on his former party, accusing the Asaduddin Owaisi-led outfit of opposing those fighting the Bharatiya Janata Party while merely paying lip service to defeating the ruling party.

Waqar was inducted into the party in the presence of AICC in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Rajendra Pal Gautam, UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, and AICC Minority Department chairman Imran Pratapgarhi.

Welcoming Waqar into the party, Gautam stated that the Congress-led movement under Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was focused on issues concerning education, employment, students, women, and marginalised sections. Gautam added that senior leaders from various political parties were joining the Congress to strengthen the hands of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

Explaining his decision to leave the AIMIM, Waqar said that political entities seeking to defeat the BJP should not be fighting other opposition parties. He stated that during his years with the AIMIM, he felt the party paid lip service about removing the BJP but on the ground fought against the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and other groups opposing the ruling party.

Waqar noted that this approach ultimately served to benefit the BJP and prompted his departure. He asserted that if political groups fight the opponents of the BJP, they act as friends of the ruling party. He added that he now believes the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, and his team represent the primary force challenging the BJP across the country.

Waqar has been a prominent voice for the AIMIM in Uttar Pradesh and was considered close to party chief Asaduddin Owaisi. His switch comes ahead of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh scheduled for early next year.