Solapur: All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi expressed optimism on Saturday that one day a hijab-clad woman could become India’s Prime Minister, saying the Constitution framed by Dr BR Ambedkar allows every citizen equal opportunity to hold the country’s highest offices.
Addressing a campaign rally in Solapur as part of the run-up to Maharashtra’s civic elections, Owaisi contrasted India’s constitutional framework with that of Pakistan, suggesting the latter restricts top posts to individuals from a particular religion. He stated that India’s secular Constitution permits any citizen — irrespective of religion or appearance — to become Prime Minister, Chief Minister or mayor.
“The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the prime minister of the country. Baba Sahib (BR Ambedkar—who headed the committee that drafted India’s constitution)’s constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the prime minister of this country,” Owaisi said, reported NDTV.
Owaisi also criticised what he called the “politics of hatred” against Muslims, claiming such divisiveness “will not go on for long” and suggesting that when compassion prevails, people will realise how minds were “poisoned”.
The remarks drew a swift reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla challenged Owaisi to demonstrate the same inclusivity within his own party, questioning when AIMIM would have a Pasmanda Muslim or hijab-clad woman as its president.
In another response reported from the same context, Maharashtra BJP leader Nitish Rane dismissed Owaisi’s vision, stating that in what he described as a predominantly Hindu nation, a hijab or burqa-wearing woman would “not become Prime Minister or mayor” — remarks reflecting the political pushback to Owaisi’s comments.
The BJP asserted that it isn’t possible in India, and to have such dreams fulfilled, one must move to Islamabad or Karachi.
“Asaduddin Owaisi shouldn’t be so audacious in a Hindurashtra. 90% of our population are Hindus. No woman wearing a hijab or burka can become the prime minister or mayor in Mumbai. Those aspiring to be one can go to Islamabad or Karachi. They have no place here,” said Maharashtra minister and BJP leader, Nitesh Rane, reported NDTV.
During the campaign event, Owaisi also renewed his criticism of amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) introduced during the UPA government, asserting that its wording has led to prolonged incarceration of undertrials. He cited the cases of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who he said spent years in jail without bail due to the law’s provisions.
The comments were made against the backdrop of intense campaigning ahead of the Mumbai civic elections on January 15.
