Owaisi Slams UP Parties: Claims Muslims Used Only for Votes and Laying Carpets

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has intensified his election campaign in Uttar Pradesh, marking his presence with a significant visit to Kanpur. During an exclusive conversation with India TV, Owaisi launched a scathing attack on the mainstream political parties of the state, alleging that they've consistently exploited the Muslim community for electoral gains without providing them with their due rights or representation. Owaisi's visit to Kanpur is seen as a major step in his party's strategy to challenge the existing political order in the state.

The Allegation of Political Exploitation

Owaisi stated that in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, Muslim society has been reduced to a mere vote bank. He used a poignant metaphor, saying that parties have taken the votes of Muslims and then made them lay carpets for their rallies and events. According to him, the community has been used as labor for the political advancement of others while being denied a seat at the table of power. He emphasized that the promise of development and social justice has remained unfulfilled for the minority community, as parties only reach out to them during election cycles.

Critique of SP and BJP Governance

In a direct comparison of the current and previous regimes, Owaisi remarked that during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party, there was a rule of Y (referring to Yadavs), and for the last 10 years under the BJP government, there has been a rule of T (referring to Thakurs). He alleged that under the Yogi government, Muslims are being specifically targeted. He pointed out a shift in tactics, stating that previously, bulldozers were used to demolish the houses of Muslims, but now the focus has shifted to demolishing mosques and graveyards. He specifically mentioned that mosques were demolished not only in Saharanpur but also in Sambhal.

Law and Order and Encounters

Addressing the issue of law and order in the state, Owaisi claimed that the government isn't being run according to the rule of law. He raised concerns over the high number of encounters, alleging that Muslims account for the highest number of individuals targeted in these actions. This, according to him, is a clear indication of the systemic targeting of the community under the current administration.

AIMIM as a Political Alternative

Owaisi positioned AIMIM as a rising alternative in Uttar Pradesh politics. He criticized Akhilesh Yadav for his silence on issues affecting Muslims, questioning why he doesn't speak up for the community. He reminded the public that even when the Samajwadi Party was in power, they failed to prevent the Muzaffarnagar riots. Owaisi mentioned that while some people advise him to remain silent, he believes it's necessary to speak out. He accused the Samajwadi Party of lacking honesty and failing to introspect on their own shortcomings.

The 2022 Alliance Attempt

Reflecting on the 2022 elections, Owaisi revealed that he had attempted to form an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. He stated that he had asked for seats where the Samajwadi Party didn't have sitting MLAs. He also shared an anecdote about meeting a prominent Mufti from Uttar Pradesh before the 2022 elections. The Mufti had advised him not to contest the elections. Owaisi agreed to discuss the matter, suggesting that if the seats where AIMIM had already declared candidates were adjusted, an alliance could be formed. However, despite these efforts and the Mufti conveying the message, Owaisi claimed that years have passed without any response from the other side.

Future Alliances and Seat Sharing

Regarding future prospects, Owaisi mentioned that he has personally spoken to various parties, emphasizing the need for unity to stop the BJP. While discussions are ongoing, no final agreement has been reached with any party. He clarified that the number of seats AIMIM will contest will only be determined after an alliance is finalized. He reiterated that people have only used Muslims for their votes and made them lay carpets, without granting them their rightful place in the political system, while he also referenced a recent statement where he asserted that mosques can't be demolished to satisfy personal grudges.

Reaction to Internal BSP Disputes and Jayant Chaudhary

When asked about the internal disputes within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Owaisi declined to comment extensively, stating it was their internal matter, while however, he strongly criticized Akhilesh Yadav's recent comments regarding Jayant Chaudhary. Owaisi stated that there should be a level of dignity in political discourse. He reminded that Jayant Chaudhary is the son of Chaudhary Charan Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of the country. He remarked that such statements are highly inappropriate and that one should think multiple times before speaking, considering how they will face each other in the future. He concluded that Akhilesh Yadav's statement was very wrong.