Asaduddin Owaisi News / Owaisi Alleges 'Backdoor NRC' and EC Violations in Parliament, Raises Muslim Representation Concerns

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi accused the Election Commission of violating SIR rules and conducting a 'backdoor NRC' during the Winter Session. He expressed concern over low Muslim representation in Lok Sabha, suggested adopting a German parliamentary system, and clarified his stance on Vande Mataram.

During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and MP from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, made several significant and contentious statements in the Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, while discussing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Owaisi leveled serious accusations against the Election Commission (EC), alleging non-compliance with rules framed by Parliament and orders issued by the Supreme Court. His remarks have ignited a fresh debate on electoral processes, minority representation, and questions of national identity in the country.

Concerns Over Muslim Representation

Asaduddin Owaisi expressed profound concern over the alarmingly low number of Muslim Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that in a diverse country like India, with a substantial Muslim population, adequate representation in legislative bodies is crucial. Owaisi drew a compelling comparison, questioning why constituencies like Raebareli, Amethi, and Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, which frequently elect non-Muslim candidates, can't elect Muslim representatives, especially when a Muslim-majority constituency like Wayanad can elect a non-Muslim.

This query directly highlights the complex interplay of religious identity and representation in electoral politics, while he further cited the views of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, who underscored political power as the key to social progress and empowerment. Owaisi stressed that political representation for minorities is vital not only for safeguarding their rights but also for fostering an inclusive and just society.

Critique of Ruling and Secular Parties

In his address, Owaisi indirectly targeted the ruling party, pointing out that currently, only four percent of MPs are Muslim, and there are no Muslim members in the ruling party itself. This observation directly underscores the lack of Muslim representation within the party in power. Concurrently, he also launched an implicit attack on so-called secular parties like the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP). Owaisi asserted that Muslims are inadequately represented not only in the ruling party but also in these secular parties, which often project themselves as champions of minority interests.

His statement questions the commitment of these parties to ensuring minority representation and suggests that the Muslim community is being politically marginalized, irrespective of whether a party is in power or in opposition. This situation raises serious concerns about the status of the Muslim community in Indian politics.

Allegations of 'Backdoor NRC'

The AIMIM MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, accused the Election Commission of flouting parliamentary rules and Supreme Court orders, claiming that a 'backdoor NRC' (National Register of Citizens) is underway in the country, while he alleged that the Election Commission had deleted over 35 lakh voter names from the electoral rolls without publishing the orders in the public domain. Owaisi termed this process as 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) and described. It as a malicious procedure designed to disenfranchise people on religious grounds.

According to him, this constitutes a direct violation of parliamentary law and Supreme Court rulings, which are meant to protect citizens' democratic rights. He further accused the Election Commission of overstepping its powers and acting beyond its constitutional mandate. These allegations raise serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, particularly concerning the voting rights of minority communities.

Call for German-like Electoral System

During his speech, Asaduddin Owaisi put forth a significant suggestion for electoral reform in India. He appealed to the BJP government to adopt a parliamentary system similar to that of Germany. Germany's electoral system incorporates an element of proportional representation, where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes received by parties, thereby increasing the likelihood of representation for smaller parties and minority communities.

Owaisi's suggestion can be viewed as a potential solution to address the lack of minority representation in India and to make electoral outcomes more inclusive. He also advocated for making the right to vote a fundamental right through consensus. This demand would be a crucial step towards strengthening citizens' suffrage and establishing it as an inalienable constitutional right, making it difficult for any government or institution to arbitrarily revoke it.

Owaisi's Clarification on Vande Mataram

Asaduddin Owaisi also offered a clarification regarding the reasons why Muslims don't sing Vande Mataram, a topic that has often been a point of contention, while he stated, "We don't worship our mother, we don't worship the Quran, and in Islam, there is no God but Allah. " Through this statement, Owaisi emphasized the monotheistic nature of Islam, where worship is exclusively directed towards Allah. He clarified that for Muslims, not reciting 'Vande Mataram' doesn't signify a lack of loyalty to the nation, while he firmly asserted, "This country is mine; we won't leave it. Don't ask us for a certificate of loyalty. " This remark was a direct response to those who frequently question the patriotism of Muslims.

Owaisi stressed that love and loyalty towards the country shouldn't be measured by the singing. Of a particular song but rather by the actions of citizens and their dedication to their nation. His clarification once again brought to the forefront the complex relationship between national identity and religious freedom. Owaisi's statements have sparked a significant debate in Parliament, revolving around electoral reforms, minority representation, and constitutional rights. His accusations and suggestions carry important implications for the future of Indian democracy.