Hyderabad, Oct. 29 -- The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is making its most organised attempt yet to gain a foothold in Andhra Pradesh, fielding candidates in seven urban local bodies for the November 1 civic polls and aiming for the Kadapa mayor's post and the chairperson's post in Hindupur municipality.

The Hyderabad-based party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has sent six of its Telangana MLAs, an MLC and senior leaders from three states to campaign. Its leaders see the elections as a test of whether the party can grow beyond its stronghold in Telangana.

Fewer seats, sharper focus

AIMIM's Andhra Pradesh in-charge Samad Bin Abdad told The Times of India that the party had filed nominations for 31 candidates but brought the ...