All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has delivered a significant address in Karimnagar, Telangana, focusing on the core identity of the Indian Constitution and the definition of nationalism. Owaisi asserted that the Constitution of India commences with the phrase 'We the People' and not 'Bharat Mata'. He argued that if patriotism is strictly tied to religious sentiments or specific slogans, it would contradict the inclusive spirit of the nation's founding document.
Constitutional Preamble and Religious Liberty
During a public meeting, Owaisi recalled the historical significance of January 24, 1950, when the nation adopted the Constitution. He highlighted that Article 25 guarantees religious freedom to every citizen. According to Owaisi, the Preamble is built on the pillars of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. He emphasized that making religious identity the sole criterion for patriotism would undermine the values for which freedom fighters struggled, advocating for a secular framework where all citizens are equal before the law.
Historical References: Zafar and Meherally
Invoking history, Owaisi questioned how the contributions of figures like Bahadur Shah Zafar would be evaluated if religion were the only measure of love for the country, while he noted that Zafar sacrificed his life for the nation and remains buried in Rangoon. On top of that, he mentioned Yusuf Meherally, the man who coined the iconic slogans 'Quit India' and 'Simon Go Back'. Owaisi argued that these historical figures represent a diverse legacy of resistance that can't be confined to a singular religious narrative.
Critique of Economic Policy and Russian Oil
On the economic front, Owaisi challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) narrative of nationalism regarding energy security. He pointed to the reduction in Russian oil imports following warnings from the United States, while owaisi claimed that when foreign powers threatened a 25% ad valorem duty on Russian oil purchases, the government's response lacked the necessary sovereign firmness. He further alleged that while India reduced its imports, China capitalized on the situation by purchasing discounted Russian crude to bolster its own economy.
Local Governance and Political Dynamics in Karimnagar
Addressing local issues, Owaisi criticized the lack of development in Karimnagar despite its 'Smart City' designation. He pointed out deficiencies in basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and electricity, particularly in minority-concentrated areas. He also raised concerns over the demolition of houses without due process. Politically, he warned voters that supporting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) might indirectly benefit the BJP, suggesting that post-election shifts could alter the local political landscape.
Analytical Perspective
According to political analysts, Owaisi's rhetoric aims to consolidate the minority vote bank by framing political issues within a constitutional context. By referencing the Preamble and Article 25, he seeks to position AIMIM as a defender of constitutional rights. His inclusion of international trade issues like Russian oil imports serves to elevate the local discourse to a national level, questioning the government's economic sovereignty and its impact on the common citizen.
Ultimately, Owaisi's address centered on the balance between constitutional identity and religious freedom, while he maintained that patriotism isn't the exclusive domain of any single religion and that the gap between development claims and ground reality remains a critical concern for the electorate.