From Bahraich to Hyderabad: Rajbhar’s stinging rebuke to Owaisi over historical icons

A provocative remark on Maharaja Suheldev has triggered a heated political exchange, setting the stage for Asaduddin Owaisi’s upcoming visit to Uttar Pradesh.

The political temperature in Bahraich is soaring, even before Asaduddin Owaisi touches down for his rally on June 14. What began as a local rhetorical flourish by AIMIM state president Shaukat Ali has escalated into a high-stakes confrontation, with Om Prakash Rajbhar stepping in to demand that the Hyderabad-based leadership rein in its local foot soldiers.

The friction point is a blunt assessment by Shaukat Ali, who publicly questioned the historical existence of Maharaja Suheldev, arguing that the lack of architectural remnants—like forts—discredits his status as a king. This has riled up Rajbhar, who has long positioned himself as a champion of the legacy of the legendary warrior, credited with defending the region against foreign invaders.

The 'Barrister's' Lesson

Taking to X, Om Prakash Rajbhar didn't hold back, directing his criticism squarely at the AIMIM chief. In an pointed post, he advised Owaisi to share some of his "Hyderabadi barrister" wisdom with his subordinates. Rajbhar insisted that before Owaisi pays his respects at the mazar of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, he ought to remind his party members that they are treading on soil where Maharaja Suheldev once stood as a shield against foreign aggression.

For Rajbhar, this isn't just about history; it is a calculated push to assert local identity. By warning Ali to speak according to his "status and personality," Rajbhar is framing the AIMIM’s rhetoric as an outsider’s arrogant dismissal of regional pride, cautioning that "unnecessary aggression" rarely yields political dividends in the long run.

Why it matters

This spat is a microcosm of the intense battle for the Dalit and OBC vote bank in the state. As parties gear up for the 2027 Vidhan Sabha चुनाव, the search for a foothold in UP has become aggressive. By challenging local icons, AIMIM is attempting to define its own narrative, but it risks alienating communities that hold figures like Suheldev in high esteem.

For the AIMIM, the Bahraich rally is a critical primary attempt to test its electoral pull. However, the controversy created by Shaukat Ali provides a ready-made platform for rivals like Rajbhar to cast the AIMIM as culturally disconnected. As political observers like Dinesh Rathour have noted in their original article reporting, these skirmishes are rarely just about the past; they are tactical maneuvers to define who truly "belongs" to the soil of Uttar Pradesh. Whether Owaisi addresses this friction on the 14th or ignores it, the exchange ensures that the visit will be anything but quiet.