In a series of fiery public meetings across Maharashtra, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of failing the Muslim community. Addressing large gatherings in Nagpur, Amravati, and Akola on Saturday, Owaisi criticized what he called the political exploitation of Muslims and warned against political passivity.
Sharp Critique of Congress and 'Secular' Allies in Nagpur
Owaisi's day of campaigning culminated in a massive rally at Nagpur's Tajbagh area, adjacent to the revered Baba Tajuddin Auliya shrine. Addressing an estimated crowd of 15,000 people, he launched a sharp attack on the Congress and its allies for their brand of political secularism. Owaisi accused the Congress of treating Muslims merely as a vote bank for decades while deliberately failing to groom genuine leadership from within the community.
He dismissed the label of 'secular parties' used during elections as a "blatant lie" designed to suppress the rise of independent Muslim leadership. "Your vote is precious, do not waste it," he urged the gathering. Owaisi warned that if the community remains politically passive, it risks being reduced to "second-class citizens," facing home demolitions, false imprisonments, and widespread injustice.
Holding Both Parties Responsible for Contentious Laws
The AIMIM chief held both national parties responsible for enacting and amending laws that he claimed are used against minorities. He specifically raked up the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and amendments to the Waqf Act. Owaisi stated that the UAPA was introduced during the Congress-led Manmohan Singh regime, and he had opposed sections of it, predicting misuse against Muslims, Dalits, and Adivasis. He alleged that the BJP later added clauses empowering the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to brand anyone a terrorist, with Congress's support.
Regarding Waqf properties, Owaisi alleged that recent amendments aim to seize mosques and dargahs (Sufi shrines) while preventing new properties from being brought under Waqf. He asserted that the day Muslims assert their independent political agency, they will secure their rightful share in power and resources, noting that every other community in Maharashtra and India has its own leadership except Muslims.
Targeting BJP, Modi on Foreign Policy in Amravati
Earlier in Amravati, Owaisi shifted his focus to the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of spreading hatred against Muslims. He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, using sarcasm and humour. Owaisi questioned why PM Modi was "afraid" of former US President Donald Trump, referencing Trump's claims about not receiving a phone call for a trade deal. "The PM remains silent. It's because Trump is Modi's uncle," he quipped.
He further criticized the Modi government for seeking Chinese investment while alleging that China has taken over 1,000 square kilometres of Indian land. In his Amravati speech, Owaisi also criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Akola Address and Political Maneuvering
Owaisi began his day in Akola, where he addressed a gathering at Hamza Plot. Here, he trained his guns on the Congress, targeting its local campaigner, Maulana Haroon. In a notable development, all five AIMIM corporators from the nearby Akot Municipal Council were present at the rally. These corporators had recently made headlines for attempting to forge an alliance with the local BJP-led front, indicating the complex political maneuvering in the region.
Using his signature style, Owaisi remarked, "Everyone keeps talking about me. Congress should not get into trouble by targeting me." The rallies were held in support of AIMIM's 17 candidates for the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls, marking the party's concerted push for influence in the region.
