Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: On Sunday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the BJP and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over recent statements referring to “vote jihad” and “Dharma yuddha” in the context of the upcoming state assembly elections. Owaisi argued that these remarks violate democratic principles and election codes, describing them as an inappropriate strategy to frame electoral dynamics.
At a public meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Jinsi area, Owaisi aimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Hai to Safe Hai” slogan, contending that it opposes the ethos of diversity in India. He also criticized Fadnavis, suggesting that while his ancestors fought against British colonial rule, those of Fadnavis were more inclined to “write love letters” to the British rather than resist them.
The remarks came a day after Fadnavis had described an ongoing “vote jihad” in Maharashtra, calling for a “Dharma yuddha” or holy war in response. He cited the BJP’s narrow loss in the Dhule Lok Sabha constituency to emphasize his point, which Owaisi swiftly rebuked, questioning how such terms could fit within democratic processes. The AIMIM leader also questioned Fadnavis' stance on other alleged electoral practices, asserting that BJP’s use of “jihad” rhetoric appears only when they face setbacks at the polls, as in Malegaon and Ayodhya.
In another criticism, Owaisi alleged that many industrial projects from Maharashtra have been relocated to Gujarat without intervention, questioning Fadnavis’ willingness to stand up to Modi on the issue. He added that Modi’s slogan appears to reflect the BJP’s intention to diminish India’s cultural diversity, highlighting that leaders had also failed to meet promises of reservation for the Maratha community.
Owaisi further addressed a recent controversy surrounding statements by Hindutva seer Ramgiri Maharaj, cautioning that remarks against the Prophet would not be tolerated. He appealed to the public to participate actively in the November 20 election, stating that a victory in Aurangabad would resonate across the nation.
With PTI inputs