AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, campaigning in Solapur ahead of Maharashtra’s civic polls, highlighted India’s inclusive Constitution, framed by B.R. Ambedkar, saying it allows any citizen—even a hijab-clad woman—to aspire to the highest offices, including Prime Minister. Drawing a contrast with Pakistan, he said India guarantees such rights irrespective of religion and stressed that politics of hate against Muslims will not last.
Owaisi also revisited his criticism of amendments to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act during the UPA era, blaming the Congress for enabling prolonged detention of undertrials, citing the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam as an example.
His remarks triggered a response from the BJP, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla challenging Owaisi to demonstrate similar inclusivity within AIMIM by elevating a hijab-clad or Pasmanda woman within the party. The comments come amid a heated campaign for Maharashtra’s civic elections on January 15, as debates over constitutional rights, minority representation, and governance dominate the political discourse.
