You intend to contest for Lok Sabha as well as Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
My party people and supporters want me to contest the two seats. I had represented Aurangabad Central as an MLA for five years from 2014-19. I was the Aurangabad MP from 2019-2024. As regards, Nanded seat is concerned, it was from Nanded, that AIMIM made a grand entry in Maharashtra. My supporters are insisting that I should contest. There is no harm in it.
What about the seats that are with you now.
We have two seats in the outgoing Assembly - Malegaon Central, which is represented by Mufti Ismail and Dhule City which is represented by Shah Faruk Anwar. We have a list ready. I am just back after meeting Owaisi Sahab.
Why have the talks failed with Congress?
The ball is in their court. We had some discussions but at the end the Maharashtra leadership said that the Congress high-command would take a call. Owaisi Saheb will speak to them and take a call.
In the run up to the elections, you have been critical of Shiv Sena (UBT).
They have been silent on the objectionable remarks of Ramagiri Maharaj. There is considerable anger across the country against him. Their stand on Wakf Bill was surprising.
You have also reached out to Maratha reservation campaigner Manoj Jarange-Patil.
We stand for people’s welfare. As a community, his supporters are contesting elections. We can be of help to each other.
What is the plan ahead?
We are moving strategically. As of now, we have two MLAs. We have 140 councillors. In the previous elections, we have been in No 2 and No 3 positions in some. We would put up candidates. However, from day one we had remained flexible. We will surely win seats, we have a list ready.