Owaisi Calls for Active Participation in Electoral Roll Revision
In a significant address at the Youm-Ul-Quran event held at Jamia Masjid Mahboob Chowk in Hyderabad's Old City on Friday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged citizens to avoid lethargy and actively engage in the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He emphasized that this process, scheduled to commence in April across Telangana, is critical for safeguarding voting rights.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
Owaisi alleged that the BJP aims to remove names from voter lists through the SIR initiative, potentially questioning people's citizenship. He stated, "The BJP wants to remove your names from the voter list through SIR and question people's citizenship." Despite these concerns, he assured that AIMIM will take all necessary steps to ensure the revision is a hassle-free exercise, with booth-level officers already beginning to link names with the 2002 electoral roll.
Highlighting the timing, Owaisi noted that the Supreme Court is set to hear the Citizenship Amendment Act case in May. He urged vigilance, advising people to verify their enrollment in the SIR process regardless of the legal outcome to protect their democratic rights.
Condemnation of Dargah Demolition and Hate Crimes
Turning to other issues, the Hyderabad MP strongly condemned the recent demolition of a dargah in Vemulawada, Telangana, labeling it a deliberate assault on religious freedom. "Bulldozers are running over the properties of Muslims in BJP-ruled states, and now a dargah has been demolished in Telangana too," he remarked. Expressing deep concern, Owaisi pointed to an alarming increase in hate crimes, mob violence, and targeted attacks against Muslims nationwide.
Criticism of PM Modi's Israel Visit
Owaisi also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, accusing the Indian government of aligning with forces responsible for oppressing Muslims while remaining silent on atrocities against minorities. He alleged, "PM Modi could have condemned Hamas and also the violence unleashed by Israel in Gaza and Palestine. Even after declaring a ceasefire, Israel continues to kill people in Palestine. Israel is a racist country where roads for Jews and Palestinians are different." This statement underscores his view of the government's foreign policy as biased.
AIMIM Floor Leader's Remarks on Political Parties
Adding to the discourse, AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, speaking at a program on Thursday, alleged little difference between the BJP and Congress in their treatment of Muslims. He cited examples from Uttar Pradesh, where BJP-led demolitions target dargahs, mosques, and Muslim homes, and Telangana, under the Revanth Reddy-led government, where similar actions have begun. "These drives are not aimed at curbing illegal encroachments but at selectively targeting Muslim properties," he asserted, reinforcing the party's stance against perceived discrimination.
This comprehensive address by Asaduddin Owaisi highlights key political and social concerns, urging public awareness and action in the face of electoral and religious challenges.
