'Secular parties' won't be able to stop BJP; Muslims should create independent leadership: Owaisi
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called for Muslims to build independent political leadership, stating that so-called secular parties will not be able to stop the expansion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Owaisi accused several opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and the erstwhile NCP, of practicing “soft Hindutva” while failing to effectively represent Muslim interests.
He said that Muslims in India should unite and develop their own political leadership to ensure proper representation and a stronger voice in governance. According to him, voting for secular parties has not yielded meaningful political influence for the community.
Referring to the West Bengal Assembly election results, Owaisi claimed that the TMC lost due to multiple factors including anti-incumbency, corruption allegations, and what he described as the exploitation of the Muslim community. He also mentioned issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
He added that the verdict in West Bengal, where the BJP secured a strong mandate, should be respected and said that opposition votes are getting divided and ineffective in stopping the BJP’s rise.
Owaisi further stated that elections are influenced by ground realities and argued that marginalized communities need independent representation rather than relying on larger political alliances.
He also referred to AIMIM’s performance in West Bengal, thanking voters despite the party not winning any seats. In contrast, he praised the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for its electoral success in Kerala.
The AIMIM leader also raised concerns about alleged displacement of Muslims in Assam and criticized state policies under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling for accountability in such matters.
Additionally, Owaisi mentioned writing to the Railway Minister seeking an inquiry and compensation in a train-related death case in Uttar Pradesh, terming it a hate crime.
