Updated: Nov 4, 2025 | Patna

The political temperature in Bihar’s opposition camp rose on Tuesday after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reacted sharply to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s reported remark labelling him an “extremist.”

The controversy stems from an interview in which Tejashwi, when asked why the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) did not accommodate Owaisi’s AIMIM in the alliance, reportedly said that “extremists have no space here.” The AIMIM later posted the comment on social media, triggering a backlash from Owaisi.

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Owaisi Hits Back at Tejashwi

Addressing a rally in Kishanganj on November 2, Owaisi accused Tejashwi of making the remark because he follows Islam “with pride,” calling it “an insult to the entire Seemanchal region,” which has a large Muslim population.

“The remark was made upon seeing the cap on my head and the beard on my face,” Owaisi said, adding that Tejashwi was behaving like “Modi’s younger brother.”

The Hyderabad MP also mocked Yadav’s English skills, saying:

“I ask Tejashwi, babu, extremist ko zara angrezi mein likh ke batado (my dear, can you even spell ‘extremist’ in English?).”

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Tejashwi Calls It a ‘Non-Issue’

At a press conference on Tuesday, held on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls, Tejashwi declined to comment further, describing the matter as irrelevant to the ongoing election.

“This is not an issue right now,” he said, refusing to be drawn into the controversy.

Sources in the Mahagathbandhan said that the AIMIM was kept out of the alliance after seat-sharing talks collapsed. Owaisi’s party had reportedly demanded six of the 243 Assembly seats, a proposal that was not accepted by the INDIA bloc, which also includes the Congress. The AIMIM has since announced candidates in 25 constituencies.

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Political Context

Muslims, along with Yadavs, form the core support base of the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. The war of words comes at a crucial time for the alliance, which is seeking to consolidate minority votes ahead of the first phase of polling on November 6. The second phase will be held on November 11, and votes will be counted on November 14.