AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp critique against the BJP-led central government on Sunday, questioning its commitment to nationalism on multiple fronts. Addressing a rally in support of his party's candidates for the Jalna Municipal Corporation polls scheduled for January 15, Owaisi raised issues ranging from foreign policy to domestic civil liberties.
Questioning National Security and Chinese Ties
Owaisi directly challenged the government's stance on China, pointing to a significant contradiction. He reminded the audience of Operation Sindoor, which was initiated after the terror attack in Pahalgam. During this period, he alleged, China supplied military equipment to Pakistan. Owaisi claimed that a staggering 80 percent of Pakistan's arsenal originates from China.
"Despite this clear security threat," Owaisi asserted, "the Indian government is rolling out the red carpet for Chinese companies to invest here." He framed this as a major lapse, accusing the Centre of compromising national security for economic interests.
Silence on Trump and Refuge for Hasina
The Hyderabad MP also targeted the government's foreign policy approach towards the United States. He accused the BJP leadership of maintaining a stoic silence in the face of what he called repeated insults and mockery from former US President Donald Trump directed at India. "Where has its nationalism gone?" Owaisi questioned the ruling party, highlighting the lack of a robust diplomatic response.
Shifting to another international matter, Owaisi criticized the decision to grant asylum to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her ouster. He contrasted this humanitarian gesture with the domestic scenario where, he alleged, Indian Muslims are frequently and wrongly labelled as Bangladeshi infiltrators. This, he implied, showcased a double standard in policy.
Raising Alarms on Civil Liberties and UAPA
Owaisi's criticism extended deeply into issues of law and justice within India. He expressed grave concern over the prolonged incarceration of Muslim youth without trial, arguing that the systematic denial of bail is a direct violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
He placed blame for this situation not only on the current government but also on the opposition Congress. Owaisi held the Congress responsible for enabling extended detention without bail through its past amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He specifically cited the continued imprisonment of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam as a consequence of this legal framework.
These allegations from the AIMIM chief come at a politically charged time. Notably, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticized the Centre on Friday over similar reports about easing restrictions on Chinese companies and Trump's comments on India-Russia relations. There has been no immediate official response from the government or the BJP to Owaisi's charges.
