Asaduddin Owaisi Fires Back at PM Modi’s Remarks: Muslims Use Condoms Most
The political atmosphere in India has become charged, with tensions flaring between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress after remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara earlier this month. His comments sparked a fierce response from political opponents, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
At a rally in Hyderabad on Sunday, Owaisi took aim at the Prime Minister’s remarks about Muslims and wealth redistribution. With Mr. Modi implying that resources would be directed to those with the most children or to “infiltrators.” Owaisi rebuked the statement by asserting that “Muslims use condoms the most” and criticized the BJP’s campaign slogan “Modi ki guarantee.” Arguing that the only guarantee the Prime Minister offers is “hate for Dalits and Muslims.”
Owaisi challenged Modi’s fearmongering narrative, noting that according to the Modi government’s own data. The population growth rate among Muslims has decreased. And fertility rates have declined. He criticized the Prime Minister for instilling fear among Hindus about Muslims becoming the majority, saying, “Our religion may be different, but we are all part of this country.”
Asaduddin Owaisi Fires Back at PM Modi’s Remarks: Muslims Use Condoms Most
The BJP and Modi have not yet officially responded to Owaisi’s criticism. Meanwhile, the Congress party also reacted strongly to Modi’s remarks. Accusing him of spreading misinformation to divert attention from real issues. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi clarified that the caste survey mentioned in their manifesto was an effort to better understand social inequalities and to promote equity.
The Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the BJP for what they perceived as inappropriate rhetoric. Both BJP chief JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge were instructed to maintain a “higher quality of political discourse” and to respond to the complaint by 11 a.m. Monday.
Owaisi, who is campaigning for re-election in Hyderabad, has faced criticism from his BJP rival Madhavi Latha. The BJP leader recently faced backlash after a video surfaced showing her pretending to shoot an arrow during a Ram Navami procession near a mosque. Latha dismissed the controversy, saying the video was incomplete and not meant to offend. Owaisi, however, criticized the BJP for engaging in provocative behavior.
Hyderabad, along with the rest of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is set to vote on May 13. With results expected on June 4. Owaisi has held the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat since 1984, a stronghold for his family. But he may face a more challenging race this time against a resurgent BJP.