The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) celebrated its 67th anniversary on March 1, 2025. On this occasion, party leader Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Hyderabad: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) celebrated its 67th anniversary on March 1, 2025. Party leader Asaduddin Owaisi used this occasion to bly criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He expressed his views on various issues, including the central government's policies, the temple-mosque controversy, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that the country is being pushed towards a single language, religion, and ideology.
Historical Context of the Temple-Mosque Dispute
Owaisi criticized the BJP for focusing solely on Mughal-era temple demolitions, questioning, "Were temples not destroyed during the reigns of Chola, Pallava, and Chalukya kings? Didn't Pushyamitra Shunga, the ruler of the Shunga dynasty, destroy Buddhist monasteries?" He argued that if films are made on historical events, they should depict all such incidents, not just a selective narrative that distorts history.
The Role of Muslims in Shivaji's Army
Owaisi referenced the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating, "Shivaji's army commander, navy chief, and finance minister were all Muslims." He challenged the BJP's professed admiration for the Marathas, urging them to first grant them reservations. He further pointed out that Shivaji's grandfather had prayed at a Muslim shrine for a son, demonstrating that history is not one-sided.
Owaisi reacted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks referring to Urdu speakers as "Khatmallah" (bedbugs). He stated, "Urdu is not just a language; it's a symbol of the freedom struggle. Great poets like Firaq Gorakhpuri hailed from this land, contributing significantly to the freedom movement through their words."
Strong Opposition to the Waqf Board Bill
The AIMIM chief criticized the Waqf Board Bill introduced by the Modi government, asking, "If no Muslim member can be on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple trust, why the attempt to include non-Muslims in the Waqf Board?" He termed this an attempt to usurp Muslim religious properties.
Owaisi described the UCC as an attack on India's diversity, asserting it would weaken the country's social fabric. He stated that the BJP is attempting to impose uniformity against the fundamental principles of the constitution, violating the rights of minorities. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, he questioned, "Where was Modi's 56-inch chest when he sat with Trump? America decided on F-35 fighter jets in its interest, and India remained silent."
