A significant political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra following AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's statement in Akola, where he declared that saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' isn't mandatory. Addressing a public gathering, Owaisi delivered a sharp statement on issues of the Constitution, religious freedom, and nationalism, drawing strong condemnation from major political parties, including the Congress, the ruling Mahayuti (comprising BJP and the Shinde faction).
Owaisi's Stance on Constitution and Religious Freedom
During his address, Owaisi emphasized that the Constitution of India begins with 'We The People of India,' and not with 'Bharat Mata. ' He asserted that the Constitution grants every citizen complete freedom to practice their religion and express their views. According to him, the Constitution explicitly states that individuals have the liberty to follow their faith and thoughts, and this freedom is enshrined in writing, while owaisi further alleged that people associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are coercing Muslims to worship deities other than Allah, which he deemed unconstitutional.
Worship of Allah and Constitutional Rights
The AIMIM chief posed a question, asking what people would say if someone today demanded that to live in this country, one must utter 'Khuda. ' He clarified that they primarily worship Allah, and the Constitution permits them to do so. Owaisi stated that the freedom to practice one's religion is a constitutional right. He also pointed out that the Constitution doesn't mandate saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai. ' He reiterated that they're bound by the Constitution and will act accordingly, not under any external pressure.
Condemnation from Shinde Faction and Congress
Owaisi's remarks have stirred considerable unrest in political circles. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various Hindutva organizations have begun to issue sharp reactions. Amit Satam, the BJP Mumbai President, accused Owaisi of practicing hate politics. He questioned why Owaisi remains in the country if he doesn't love it. Satam unequivocally stated that for them, India comes first, followed by religion. This statement aligns with the BJP's nationalist ideology, which prioritizes the nation above all else.
Sanjay Nirupam, a leader from Eknath Shinde's party, also strongly condemned Owaisi's statement, while he labeled Owaisi as a leader with a 'jihadi mentality,' further intensifying the controversy. Meanwhile, Harshvardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Pradesh President of the Congress party, also opposed Owaisi's remarks, while sapkal asserted that no religion is greater than the country. He suggested that if Owaisi doesn't wish to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai,' he should at least say 'Madre Watan,' but something must be said. This indicates that despite their political differences, the parties are united on the issue of nationalism and respect for the country. Owaisi's statement has ignited a new debate in Maharashtra politics, discussing various aspects of religious freedom, constitutional rights, and nationalism.
