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Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), delivered a powerful and critical speech in Parliament, strongly condemning the alleged exploitation of religious history to incite conflict and unrest. His address focused on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, highlighting instances where their constitutional rights were seemingly undermined. The core of his argument rested on the assertion that the manipulation of religious narratives is being used to justify discriminatory practices and violence against minority groups. Owaisi's rhetorical question, 'If I dig here in Parliament and find something, will that mean the Parliament is mine?', served as a potent analogy to illustrate the absurdity of claiming ownership over religious sites and using such claims to justify aggressive actions.
A significant portion of Owaisi's speech detailed the alarming rise in cow vigilantism and the resulting violence against minorities. He cited specific instances of lynchings, such as the tragic death of Sabir Malik in Bengal, and the brutal killings of Juned and Naseer. These cases, Owaisi argued, are not isolated incidents but rather symptomatic of a larger problem – the deliberate misuse of power by cow vigilantes, often emboldened by state-level laws that ban cow slaughter. He stressed that these actions not only violate the fundamental right to life but also directly infringe upon the freedom of religion guaranteed under Articles 25, 26, 29, and 30 of the Indian Constitution. The seemingly arbitrary nature of these laws, he pointed out, allows for discriminatory enforcement and the targeting of specific communities.
Owaisi's concerns extended beyond cow vigilantism. He raised the issue of the hijab ban in government educational institutions, questioning the success of Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion, in the face of such restrictions. The recent communal tensions in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a mosque survey, further fueled his arguments. He characterized these actions as calculated attempts to distract the nation from pressing issues and further exacerbate communal tensions. Owaisi directly accused the central government of having an 'invisible hand' in fueling petitions targeting religious sites, thereby undermining the Places of Worship Act, 1991. He highlighted the negative impact of these actions on national stability and prosperity, arguing that no nation can thrive when a significant portion of its population, in this case, approximately 14% of the Indian population, faces constant pressure and discrimination.
Owaisi's speech wasn't entirely negative; he also expressed approval of the Supreme Court's recent decision to restrain lower courts from passing orders on religious site surveys. This decision, he suggested, is a crucial step towards preventing further instability. However, he emphasized the government's crucial role in upholding the law and actively protecting minorities from politically motivated campaigns. He underscored the need for a proactive approach to address the root causes of these issues and ensure that the constitutional rights of all citizens are upheld, regardless of their religious background. His speech serves as a strong call for tolerance, justice, and the preservation of the secular principles upon which the Indian constitution is founded. The implications of his concerns extend far beyond individual cases; they touch upon the very fabric of Indian society and the ongoing struggle for religious harmony and social justice.
Source: 'If I dig up Parliament and find something, will that make it mine?': Asaduddin Owaisi