Owaisi and Azad Form Samajik Parivartan Morcha for UP Elections

UPDATE - follow-up to Owaisi, Azad likely to announce alliance on November 12 for Uttar Pradesh elections:

Alliance Formation

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Azad Samaj Party head Chandrashekhar Azad formally launched a new coalition called the Samajik Parivartan Morcha in Lucknow on Thursday, November 12, 2026. During their joint press conference, Owaisi stated that this platform aims to block the BJP from securing a third consecutive term in the state.

Leadership and Openings

Owaisi declared that Azad will serve as the chief president of the coalition and run as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2027 state elections. Azad added that the new bloc remains open to welcoming other political groups like the Samajwadi Party or Congress if their shared goal is stopping the ruling party.

Core Agenda

The front intends to centre its campaign on the welfare of Dalit and backward communities, minorities, and other marginalized groups, while criticizing major parties for treating these populations merely as vote banks. According to Owaisi, the coalition will also highlight pressing local issues such as rising unemployment among the youth, poor educational standards, and agrarian challenges.

Context

This new alliance attempts to carve out a distinct third front in a state where political power typically swings between larger national and regional formations. Bringing together minority and Dalit voter bases poses a notable test in an increasingly polarized electoral landscape.