Owaisi opens alliance door in UP; Congress warns AIMIM could end up helping BJP

Kanpur (UP): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he is open to an alliance with parties looking to prevent the BJP from returning to power in Uttar Pradesh for a third consecutive term.

Addressing a public meeting in Kanpur's Cantonment constituency on Sunday, he urged voters to strengthen AIMIM's presence in the state, saying the (Muslim) community needs a "voice" in the UP Assembly.

"We also do not want the BJP government to be formed in UP for the third time. If you want to stop the BJP from forming the government again, come and join hands with AIMIM," he said.