In a captivating political move, Akbaruddin Owaisi, the brother of AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has filed his nomination for the storied Hyderabad constituency. Akbaruddin currently represents Chandrayangutta as a legislator and has been seen campaigning for his brother across Hyderabad just hours previously. This surprising turn of events has ignited a flurry of speculation in political circles. One burning question remains: will the Owaisi brothers face off in the Hyderabad seat electoral battle?
A closer examination reveals AIMIM's strategic play: they've fielded Akbaruddin as a backup, or an alternative nominee. Should any technicalities arise that invalidate Asaduddin Owaisi's nomination, Akbaruddin's candidacy will ensure AIMIM retains its contestant in the electoral fray. This tactic isn't new; similar measures have been witnessed in state assembly elections, where Akbaruddin submitted his nomination, followed by his son Nooruddin Owaisi—who later withdrew his paperwork.
Owaisi Dynasty Reigns Supreme in Hyderabad Since 1984
The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is considered an Owaisi stronghold, dominated by AIMIM since 1984. Home to roughly 60% Muslim and 40% Hindu populations, this seat saw Asaduddin Owaisi's father, late Salahuddin Owaisi, victoriously claim six consecutive elections from 1984 to 1999. Asaduddin himself has triumphed in four subsequent elections, making it ten consecutive wins for the family. This year, BJP's robust candidate Madhavi Lata poses a challenge, while Congress has yet to announce a contender.
Why Have an Alternate Nominee?
In the event a prime candidate's application is rejected upon review by election authorities, or if they pass away, the backup steps in as the party's protagonist. Most major political parties deploy an alternate or covering candidate as a contingency plan. Should the original candidate's nomination get certified, the alternate's affidavit is nullified—while some parties also play independents in battleground regions.
