New Delhi, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Syed Asim Waqar, who recently joined the Congress, has said Muslims have faith in political leaders and parties that have the ability to take on and defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in elections.
Speaking to IANS after joining the Congress, Waqar said he believed Muslims across India were particularly inclined towards defeating the BJP and that he would stand with whoever appeared politically strong enough to challenge it.
“Muslims have faith in everyone who has the ability to take on and defeat the BJP,” Waqar said, adding that he had held the same view as a Muslim and would support those he believed could mount a strong electoral challenge.
On the ongoing debate over reservation, Waqar said benefits should reach people from every caste and religion who genuinely qualify and need such support.
He said those struggling to meet basic needs, educate their children or secure housing and other essentials should receive reservation where they are eligible.
Waqar also said he had supported Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as a potential Prime Minister for several years, including during his time in the AIMIM.
“For the past five years, I have been saying that Rahul Gandhi is the country’s future Prime Minister,” he said, adding that he had backed the Congress even while associated with the AIMIM because he believed the country needed a good Prime Minister.
Waqar joined the Congress at the party headquarters on Wednesday in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, state Congress president Ajay Rai and Congress Minority Department chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi.
Welcoming him, Pratapgarhi described Waqar as an articulate spokesperson and said his entry would strengthen the voices of secular forces.
Ajay Rai also welcomed Waqar, saying he expressed his views strongly and had placed his trust in Rahul Gandhi by joining the Congress.
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