Rejects Claims of Splitting Anti-BJP Votes; Urges Fair Representation for Muslims
Hyderabad, May 18 — Asaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad MP and chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has hit back at critics who accuse him of dividing anti-BJP votes, asserting that the BJP's electoral victories are a result of opposition failure and its successful consolidation of Hindu votes.In a video interview on Saturday, Owaisi dismissed suggestions that his party benefits the BJP by fragmenting the opposition vote, particularly among Muslims. "How can you put the blame on me, tell me?" he asked, adding, "If I contest in Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Kishanganj and a few other seats in the 2024 Parliamentary elections and BJP gets 240 seats, then am I responsible?"
"BJP's Success Is Due to Opposition's Failure"
Owaisi argued that the BJP's consistent electoral wins are not due to AIMIM's participation but because of the disarray among opposition parties. "BJP is coming to power because the opposition is a failure (nakaam). BJP is winning elections because it has consolidated almost 50 per cent of the Hindu vote," he said.He condemned allegations that AIMIM is the BJP’s ‘B-Team’ as baseless and a reflection of deep-seated prejudice against his party. "This is nothing but hatred for a party that primarily represents Muslims," he asserted.
"Opposition Takes Muslim Votes for Granted"
Countering Congress and other opposition parties who accuse AIMIM of vote-splitting, Owaisi said these parties treat Muslim votes as an entitlement while ignoring the community’s genuine concerns. He stressed the need for political empowerment of Muslims, stating, "When every segment of society has political leadership, why is it unacceptable for Muslims to have a political voice?"Asked if his criticism was aimed at the Congress, Owaisi clarified it was directed at all major political parties, including the BJP, SP, and BSP. He criticized the prevalent political mindset with a pointed remark: "Yadav will be a leader, Musalmaan will be a beggar. The upper caste will be a leader, the Musalmaan will be a beggar. How is that fair, tell me?"
Highlights: Lack of Muslim Representation
Owaisi lamented the underrepresentation of Muslims in the country’s political system. Despite being nearly 15 percent of India’s population, Muslims account for only about 4 percent of seats inthe legislatures and Parliament. He blamed political parties for denying tickets to Muslim candidates and societal bias that discourages votes for Muslim politicians.He emphasized that India cannot attain its developmental goals by sidelining such a large community. "India cannot become Viksit Bharat by 2047 while keeping Muslims marginalised and weak," he cautioned. He called on parties to move beyond using Muslims as mere vote banks and instead work towards their empowerment through education, employment, and fair treatment.
"We Want to Be Citizens, Not Just Voters"
Owaisi reiterated AIMIM’s stance on equality and participatory democracy. "Our fight is that we don’t want to remain voters. We want to be citizens," he said, highlighting the need for Muslim involvement in mainstream politics and governance.AIMIM has made electoral inroads beyond its Hyderabad stronghold in states like Bihar and Maharashtra, winning seats in areas with sizeable Muslim populations. Owaisi’s vocal advocacy for Muslim issues has resonated with many in the community, cementing his image as a strong and unapologetic leader for Muslim representation.
