Owaisi’s Hijab Remark Sparks BJP–AIMIM Face-Off
War of words erupts in Maharashtra poll season over constitutional rights and identity politics
- Owaisi says Constitution allows any citizen to become Prime Minister
- BJP leaders hit back, triggering a sharp political exchange
- AIMIM defends remark as constitutional and aspirational
- Row unfolds amid Maharashtra local body election campaign
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 10th Jan: A political row has erupted between the BJP and the AIMIM after Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said that it was his dream to see a hijab-clad woman become the Prime Minister of India, invoking constitutional provisions that allow any citizen to hold the country’s top office.
Owaisi, who has been campaigning in Maharashtra ahead of local body elections in Mumbai and other parts of the state, made the remark while addressing a gathering in Solapur. He contrasted India’s constitutional framework with Pakistan’s, asserting that India’s Constitution permits any citizen to become Prime Minister, Chief Minister or mayor, irrespective of religion.
The comment drew a sharp reaction from the BJP. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane questioned the feasibility of such a prospect and made strong remarks, saying that political aspirations must be grounded in the country’s social and political realities. His statement triggered immediate political pushback.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan defended Owaisi, saying the remark merely reiterated what the Constitution provides — that any Indian citizen can occupy constitutional offices. He said there was nothing objectionable in expressing an aspirational view grounded in constitutional equality.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also weighed in, challenging Owaisi to first demonstrate such inclusivity within his own party leadership, while adding that constitutional offices are ultimately decided by electoral mandate.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh cautioned against what he described as attempts to inject divisive narratives into public discourse, asserting that the Constitution and rule of law would prevail.
The controversy has surfaced amid heightened political activity in Maharashtra, where local body elections, including to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, are due. Hijab — a headscarf worn by many Muslim women — has remained a sensitive issue in public debate in recent years, particularly in the context of educational institutions, and continues to trigger strong political reactions across the spectrum.
