Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Jan 11: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday criticised Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his remarks suggesting that India’s Prime Minister would always emerge from the country’s Hindu civilisational ethos, calling the comments reflective of “Pakistani thinking.”
The controversy erupted after CM Sarma, speaking on Saturday, said that while the Constitution places no restrictions on who can become the Prime Minister, India’s civilisational ethos would ensure the post remains with a Hindu.
Responding to Sarma, Owaisi told reporters, “His mind is like a tubelight. He took an oath on the Constitution, but nowhere does it mention this. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s thinking is similar to Pakistan, where only someone from a specific community can hold the Prime Minister or President’s post. India’s Constitution, crafted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, is far more inclusive and thoughtful.”
Owaisi added, “It is unfortunate that some people neither understand the Constitution nor its spirit. India does not belong to any one community. Its beauty lies in embracing all, including those without religious affiliation. Such narrow-minded thinking reflects a petty mindset.”
Earlier, CM Sarma had clarified that there is “no constitutional bar” for anyone to become Prime Minister, while asserting that the nation’s civilisational framework would naturally produce a Hindu in the role.
The exchange follows remarks made by Owaisi in Maharashtra’s Solapur ahead of civic polls, where he suggested that a hijab-wearing woman could one day become India’s Prime Minister. These statements drew sharp criticism across party lines.
Chhattisgarh deputy CM Arun Sao said, “Owaisi’s comments reveal how he conducts politics in religious terms. He seems to have no other option.”
BJP leader Poonam Mahajan labelled AIMIM as a “Congress offshoot” focused solely on Muslim interests. Speaking to reporters, she said, “Owaisi may be an experienced speaker, but he applies his skills to divide and rule. His party works only for the Muslim community, not for India’s interests.”
Congress also mocked Owaisi’s claims. MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, “He talks about who could become Prime Minister during municipal elections. When a hijab-wearing woman contested for Mayor in Burhanpur, Owaisi fielded a candidate to defeat her. He has not even made a hijab-wearing woman an MLA from his party. This is all baseless talk.”
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane added a more aggressive note, saying, “As long as our Hindu nation stands, anyone threatening Hindus or trying to convert India into an Islamic nation must reconsider their actions. Attempts to intimidate us will not be tolerated.”
The exchange has intensified the political debate on religious identity and leadership, highlighting ongoing tensions around constitutional interpretation and civilisational narratives in India.