In a fiery speech delivered on Friday, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Imtiaz Jaleel issued a severe warning, stating he would "cut off the hand of any individual who dares to touch Muslim women with ill intent." His comments came amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's act of pulling down a hijab from a woman's face during a recent public event.
Rally Address in Maharashtra Takes Aim at BJP and Allies
Addressing a campaign rally in Maharashtra, the former MP from Aurangabad did not hold back his criticism. He took a veiled jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and launched a broadside against what he termed "so-called secular parties." Jaleel alleged that these parties often extend support to goons and criminal elements but hesitate to stand firmly with the Muslim community.
Directly referencing a comment made by Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad on the Nitish Kumar hijab episode, Jaleel said, "A minister from Uttar Pradesh had made an objectionable remark. If anyone dares to touch a Muslim sister with ill intent, I will cut his hand." Nishad had previously questioned, "What would have happened if he touched her somewhere else?" but later clarified that his statement was twisted and misinterpreted.
Accusations of Communal Branding Ahead of Civic Polls
Jaleel was campaigning for 17 AIMIM candidates contesting in the upcoming municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15. He used the platform to accuse other political outfits of unfairly branding his party as communal while simultaneously failing to provide genuine support to Muslims.
"Secular parties often brand AIMIM as a communal and untouchable party, whereas in reality, they themselves are the most communal and do not want Muslims to emerge as leaders," he alleged. "They have no hesitation in favouring goons and criminal elements, but they hesitate to stand with Muslims or give proper representation to the Muslim community." His remarks were quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Mocking Symbol Demands and Political Rivals
In a lighter yet pointed dig at political rivals, Jaleel also mocked a demand by Maharashtra Social Justice Minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat. Shirsat had called for freezing AIMIM's election symbol, the 'kite,' citing its coincidence with the Makar Sankranti festival, during which kites are traditionally flown.
Responding in kind, Jaleel humorously urged Shiv Sena and BJP leaders to avoid wearing "watches" for the next month. This comment targeted the 'Clock' symbol of their Mahayuti alliance partner, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), showcasing the political tit-for-tat in the heated election atmosphere.
The speech underscores the heightened political tensions in Maharashtra as parties gear up for the civic polls, with issues of religious identity, women's safety, and political representation taking center stage.
