Don't need 'Z' but 'A' class citizen privilege: Owaisi rejecting security cover
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New Delhi: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who has been offered a 'Z' security cover following an attack on his life in UP, said he wishes not to have the security but prefers the privilege of A-Category citizen.
He questioned the government in the parliament about the evasion in charging the anti-terrorist law against those arrested for firing at his vehicle, while the UAPA has extensively been used against Muslims.
"I don't want Z category security. I want to be an A-category citizen, at par with you all. Why was UAPA not invoked against those who fired at me? ...I want to live, to speak. My life will be safe when the poor are safe. I will not get scared of those who shot at my car," he said in Parliament.
"I am not afraid of death. All of us have to leave this world someday. I was born in this country. When my mother gave birth to me, I was put down on the floor. When I close my eyes too, I will be buried here. I don't want the Z category category. I have been in politics since 1994. I want to live freely. If I want to live, I want to raise my voice. If I get shot for this, I will accept it," he added.
However, there are mixed response from political quarters over the firing at Owaisi's convey while returning to Delhi after the election campaign in UP. Many doubt it could be a drama by BJP to consolidate Muslim votes on Owais's party, preventing the votes from reaching out to Samajwadi Party in the sympathetic atmosphere created by an attempted attack on his life.
Elections are scheduled for February 10 in 58 Assembly constituencies across 11 districts of western Uttar Pradesh. The elections are being held over seven phases.
On Thursday, gunshots were fired at Owaisi's vehicle at Hapur in western Uttar Pradesh when he was returning to Delhi after campaigning for the Assembly elections. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the state government has arrested the culprits and also seized the weapon and vehicle used in the attack. Goyal said Home Minister Amit Shah will make a statement in the House on Monday.