In a fiery public address in Malegaon, AIMIM president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing critique against the Indian National Congress, holding it directly responsible for the creation and subsequent misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Congress Created a Tool for Harassment: Owaisi's Core Allegation
Owaisi, while speaking at a rally on Thursday, reminded the audience that the UAPA was formulated and enacted during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2007-08. He pointed out that P. Chidambaram was the Union Home Minister and Dr. Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister at the time.
"I had warned Parliament then about the misuse of these provisions, but my concerns were ignored," Owaisi stated emphatically. He accused the Congress of providing successive governments with a powerful legal instrument that has been used to "harass members of the minority community." He argued that his predictions have now come true, with the law's stringent provisions being used to deny bail, as seen in recent court decisions including those related to the Delhi riots cases.
A Call for Accountability for Ruined Lives
The Hyderabad MP posed a direct and uncomfortable question to the grand old party. He demanded to know if the Congress would accept responsibility for the "irreparable damage" caused to individuals and families. He cited examples of those accused in cases like the Mumbai blasts, who were acquitted after spending many years in prison.
"They still don't know why they were jailed, and even the families of the victims don't know who committed the crime," he said, highlighting the human cost of such laws. Owaisi questioned whether the Congress would take ownership for the years lost by innocent people incarcerated on terror charges before being found not guilty by courts.
Criticism of Maharashtra's Political Leadership
Owaisi also turned his fire towards the current Maharashtra leadership, targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. He questioned how these leaders, who are politically aligned both at the Centre and in the state, could make distinct promises to voters during local body elections, implying a misleading campaign strategy.
Further expanding his critique, Owaisi condemned the cross-party support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. He alleged that several prominent politicians backed this legislation, which he claims violates the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He linked the Act's effects to actions like the demolition drive at Turkaman Gate in Delhi.
Concluding his speech with a political pitch, Owaisi said, "This is the reason we are exhorting you all to support the AIMIM in Malegaon and Dhule." His rally served as a potent mix of historical indictment of the Congress, criticism of current state politics, and a call for electoral support for his party in the upcoming contests.
