This statement sparked a strong response from the ruling BJP, which characterized Owaisi’s comments as “irresponsible,” claiming he was only highlighting a partial truth since many Muslim women oppose the hijab practice.
During a rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, ahead of the January 15 municipal elections, Owaisi stated, “The Constitution of Pakistan dictates that only individuals from one religion may hold the office of prime minister or president. In contrast, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution enables any citizen to aspire to the role of prime minister, chief minister, or even mayor.” “By the grace of the Almighty, there will come a day—when neither I nor this generation will be present—when a daughter wearing a hijab will rise to become India’s prime minister,” the AIMIM president remarked.
“I firmly believe that day will come… The animosity you spread against Muslims will not persist,” he said, addressing the ruling party.
BJP MP Anil Bonde responded, accusing Owaisi of making irresponsible claims and failing to present the complete truth.
Bonde asserted that Muslim women oppose the hijab, as no one desires oppression, and mentioned protests by women in Iran against the practice.
He also claimed that demographic imbalances were increasing in India and called for Hindu unity.
In his rally speech, Owaisi urged the local electorate to reject candidates supported by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP).
Touching on the ongoing discussion about the next mayor of Mumbai—where the BJP insists that the next leader should be Marathi and Hindu—Owaisi noted that such debates typically arise only during election periods.
He accused Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar of misleading the populace and encouraged voters to respond to them with a “fitting rebuke” at the polls.
“We will not fall prey to your conspiracies,” he asserted.
Owaisi further claimed that the current ruling parties were not governing according to the Constitution’s principles.
“Their rule is built on hatred. They profess to be friends of minorities and Dalits, but they are not. They are also failing to support farmers,” Owaisi charged.
