Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar launched a sharp critique against the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Sunday, questioning the party's commitment to empowering Muslim women. His comments came as a direct response to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's recent statement about a hijab-clad woman potentially becoming India's Prime Minister.
Questioning Representation Beyond Slogans
Taking to social media platform X, the Karimnagar Lok Sabha MP challenged the ground reality behind Owaisi's rhetoric. "How many Muslim women has the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen actually given tickets to as MLAs or MPs?" Kumar asked. He further pressed, "How many Muslim women hold real decision-making posts in the Majlis?" The BJP leader asserted that mere slogans cannot conceal what he termed as "zero representation."
Kumar contrasted this with the BJP's approach, highlighting that the party has a dedicated minority wing and actively grooms women leaders from all communities. He demanded to know what the AIMIM had to offer "beyond rhetoric."
A Reference to Past Electoral Contest
To bolster his argument, the Union Minister recalled the 2018 Andhra Pradesh assembly elections. He noted that the BJP had fielded a Muslim woman candidate, Syed Shahezadi, against Owaisi's brother, Akbaruddin Owaisi, in the constituency. Akbaruddin Owaisi won the election.
Kumar alleged that during that campaign, Shahezadi faced intimidation and targeting. "She was threatened, targeted, and defeated. This is your true face," he posted. He added that Shahezadi now serves on the National Commission for Minorities, illustrating the BJP's platform for empowerment.
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Intimidation
The BJP leader accused the Hyderabad MP and his party of intimidating women activists who dare to raise their voices against the AIMIM. "We understand your fear. Muslim women can see your hypocrisy clearly," Kumar stated.
He positioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a figure who acts in the interests of women, contrasting him with Owaisi. "Many view Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji as an elder brother who acted in their interests instead of confining them. BJP empowers women irrespective of religion," he wrote. Kumar concluded by accusing Owaisi of speaking about empowerment while simultaneously imposing restrictions on women within his party, in public life, and at home.
The political exchange was triggered by Asaduddin Owaisi's address at an election rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, on Friday, January 12. Ahead of local civic polls, the AIMIM chief expressed confidence that India would one day see a hijab-clad woman as Prime Minister, citing the constitutional equality offered to all communities in India, unlike in Pakistan.
