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A remark about a hijab-clad Prime Minister has triggered a fierce political clash. Owaisi calls Himanta ‘Pakistan-minded’, Sarma hits back with civilisational claims fuelling a fresh debate on Constitution and identity.
The controversy began on Saturday when Owaisi, while addressing a rally in Solapur
New Delhi: A sharp political exchange erupted between AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following Owaisi’s remark that a hijab-clad woman could one day become India’s prime minister. The verbal sparring intensified on Sunday, with both leaders trading strong words while campaigning for the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Owaisi criticised Sarma, calling his thinking “narrow” and accusing him of misunderstanding the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The AIMIM leader said India belongs to all its citizens, regardless of religion or belief.
“He has taken an oath on the Constitution, but does he even understand what it says?” Owaisi said. He went on to label Sarma a “tubelight” and accused him of having a “Pakistan-like mindset,” claiming that such thinking contradicts India’s inclusive constitutional framework.
Owaisi pointed out that unlike Pakistan where constitutional provisions restrict the top leadership roles to a particular religious community. India’s Constitution allows any citizen to hold positions such as Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or mayor.
The controversy began on Saturday when Owaisi, while addressing a rally in Solapur, said he envisions a future where a hijab-wearing woman becomes India’s prime minister. He said the Indian Constitution, drafted by B.R. Ambedkar, guarantees equal opportunity to all citizens irrespective of religion.
“It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will lead this country,” Owaisi had said, asserting that constitutional values uphold diversity and equality.
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Responding to Owaisi’s statement, Sarma said that while the Constitution does not bar anyone from becoming prime minister, India is rooted in Hindu civilisation. He stated that the country would “always have a Hindu prime minister,” reflecting what he described as India’s cultural identity.
Sarma’s comments drew immediate criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of conflating religion with constitutional governance.
The exchange comes ahead of the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, with polling scheduled for January 15 and vote counting on January 16. Both leaders are actively campaigning, and political observers believe the rhetoric reflects broader ideological differences being amplified during the election season.
As the debate continues, the remarks have sparked renewed discussion on constitutional values, secularism, and political discourse in India.
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