Owaisi Demands Police Action Against YouTubers Over 'Food Jihad' Allegations
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned a group of YouTubers for allegedly harassing a Muslim vendor selling kova buns at the Medaram Jatara festival. Speaking at the 68th revival day event of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) held at Dar Us Salam on Saturday night, Owaisi termed the actions of these content creators as a deliberate attempt to incite trouble under the pretext of "food jihad." He urged the Congress-led state government and Telangana police to take immediate and stringent action against the perpetrators.
Incident at Medaram Jatara Sparks Outrage
Owaisi highlighted the incident where the vendor was targeted by YouTubers who accused him of engaging in "food jihad" simply for selling his products. "Maintaining law and order is the duty of police and the state government. What tamasha was that? Such YouTubers are enemies of the country, I strongly condemn the incident," he stated emphatically. The AIMIM leader argued that if the YouTubers had issues with the food, they should have reported it to the authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands and creating a communal rift.
Warning Against Rising Communal Tensions
Owaisi warned that such incidents could escalate across Telangana if not addressed promptly. "Such incidents would increase in the state if not nipped in the bud," he cautioned, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further communal discord. He connected this event to broader patterns of discrimination, stating that various groups, including Adivasis, unemployed youth, farmers, and individuals wearing religious attire like skull caps or hijabs, are often unfairly branded as enemies when they assert their constitutional rights.
Constitutional Rights and Patriotism
In his address, Owaisi defended the constitutional rights of all citizens, asserting that those who uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution are true patriots. "Those who hold BR Ambedkar's Constitution close to their heart are seen as enemies by communal forces. But this perceived enemy is the true patriot," he declared. He criticized the RSS and BJP for allegedly attempting to impose a singular ideology on India, contrary to the inclusive vision of the country's founding leaders and the preamble of the Constitution.
Historical References and Political Accusations
Owaisi invoked historical figures to bolster his arguments, mentioning Maulvi Allauddin and Turrabaz Khan's resistance against British rule. He questioned the RSS and BJP's contributions to the freedom struggle, asking, "Can RSS and BJP name a single member who was martyred in the freedom struggle against the British? We don't need them to teach us patriotism." Additionally, he referenced the recent controversy over Tipu Sultan in Malegaon, noting that Gandhi had praised Tipu as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, and accused the BJP and RSS of distorting history.
Tribute to Pulwama Martyrs and Call Against Terrorism
During the event, Owaisi and attendees paid tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack by switching on their mobile phone flashlights. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive action to end Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, underscoring the need for national security and unity.
AIMIM's Political Stance and Expansion
The revival anniversary was attended by a significant gathering, including five MLAs from Bihar, 125 corporators and 83 councillors from Maharashtra civic bodies, and AIMIM state presidents from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Many traveled in a convoy from Maharashtra to Dar Us Salam, highlighting the party's growing influence. AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi asserted the party's constitutional right to contest elections anywhere in India, indirectly responding to comments from AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge about restricting AIMIM's activities in Uttar Pradesh.
Asaduddin Owaisi also took a swipe at Kharge's remarks about Hyderabad, noting that the city is known for more than just biryani, sherwani, and pareshani. He emphasized Hyderabad's rich historical and cultural significance, reinforcing AIMIM's connection to the region.
