Political activity is intensifying ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with a possible third front emerging alongside the BJP-led NDA and the SP-Congress INDIA alliance. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is reportedly exploring an alliance with MP Chandrashekhar Azad and smaller parties. If the plan moves forward, it could create a new political challenge for Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, particularly in constituencies where Muslim voters play a decisive role. However, the proposed alliance has not yet been formally announced.


Owaisi Targets SP and Akhilesh Yadav

Owaisi has repeatedly criticised the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav during his public meetings in Uttar Pradesh. AIMIM has stepped up its political activities in the state, with the party focusing on constituencies where Muslim voters have a significant influence. Owaisi has already announced candidates for the Matera seat in Bahraich and the Bhinga seat in Shravasti. Both announcements indicate that AIMIM is preparing to expand its electoral presence ahead of the next Assembly elections.


Campaigning in Muslim-Concentrated Areas

Owaisi held public meetings in Azamgarh on October 11 and Rampur on October 18, attempting to consolidate Muslim support. During the Rampur meeting, he praised senior SP leader Azam Khan while criticising Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh later met Azam Khan in jail and visited his family. Owaisi also held a meeting in Shamli, where he responded to criticism directed at him. These exchanges have added to the political rivalry between AIMIM and the SP.


Viral Video Fuels Alliance Speculation

Speculation about a possible third front increased after a video circulated showing Owaisi alongside Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar and Chandrashekhar Azad. The SP shared the video on social media, accusing leaders of bargaining over their communities’ votes. In response, AIMIM’s Uttar Pradesh president Shaukat Ali criticised the SP. The video has fuelled discussion about a possible understanding between AIMIM and Chandrashekhar’s Azad Samaj Party, although no formal alliance has been confirmed.


AIMIM Eyes 40 to 45 Seats

If an agreement with Chandrashekhar is reached, AIMIM could contest around 40 to 45 Assembly constituencies, according to political discussions cited in reports. Chandrashekhar’s party and other smaller groups could contest the remaining seats under a broader arrangement. The proposed strategy reportedly aims to combine Dalit and Muslim support. Dalits account for around 21% of Uttar Pradesh’s population, while Muslims make up approximately 19%, making these communities electorally significant across several constituencies.


Previous Alliances Failed to Win Seats

AIMIM has attempted broader political alliances in earlier elections but has yet to convert those efforts into Assembly or Lok Sabha victories in Uttar Pradesh. In the previous Assembly election, Owaisi joined the Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha, which included Babu Singh Kushwaha’s Jan Adhikar Party. During the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AIMIM allied with Pallavi Patel’s Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) under the PDA Nyay Morcha. Neither alliance won a seat. The proposed third front will now face the challenge of turning its electoral strategy into actual victories in 2027.