‘Will strengthen party ahead of LS polls’

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that the party would introspect the lacuna during the Telangana Assembly elections and strengthen itself ahead of the general elections in 2024.
Addressing a query on low vote share for the party, he said, “There are quite a few reasons for low polling percentage. One of them being the police and paramilitary forces being deployed for no apparent ‘sensitive’ issues, barricading, road blocks which poses a challenge for people to step out. Secondly, the party may be lacking something and we will look to improve on it.
Thirdly, the public seems to be losing interest, they see it as holiday and look to spend leisure time. Fourthly, I can’t understand why polling booths be placed in private convention halls when government schools can operate in private buildings? The Election Commission of India must try and hire private marriage halls. Smaller buildings are being used as polling stations which have two polling booths. How will the polling percentage increase?  Numerous elderly people missed out on voting since there are no arrangements for them at these polling stations. We will inspect the lacuna from our side and ensure that the voting percentage increases during the parliamentary elections.”
Speaking of the reduced majority in Yakutpura, Owaisi said, “The party will have to introspect over the weakness and what needs to be done. It is definitely a cause of concern for us and it will be addressed. I thank the Yakupura voters, however the results could have been better.”
Addressing a question on the possibility of Congress approaching the AIMIM for support, the Hyderabad MP said, “I don’t know what is going to happen. However, we wish for peace and prosperity of Telangana and for that we will play our role as an opposition party.”
He further said, “It’s too early to say what changes the new government will bring in. We will have to wait and watch. The incoming government has made various promises to the people; as far as we are concerned the government will be made accountable.”