NEW DELHI — Addressing a public meeting in Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch region ahead of local body elections scheduled for April 26, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday raised a range of issues concerning the Muslim community, including India’s ambition of becoming a “Vishwaguru” or global leader.
Owaisi said India cannot truly become a Vishwaguru” or global leader unless Muslims are ensured justice and equal rights.
“If this country is to become a Vishwaguru or a superpower, it cannot happen until Muslims of India get their rights,” he was quoted as saying.
Urging voters to support AIMIM candidates in the upcoming local body polls, including seats in the Bhuj municipality and various taluka panchayats, Owaisi said Muslims must move beyond being “mere voters” and focus on building their own political leadership.
“Use your precious vote to strengthen your political leadership in Bhuj, Kutch and across Gujarat,” he said.
“For 70 years, we have only been voters. Because of that, we have fallen behind in every field,” he added, arguing that lack of political representation has impacted access to education, healthcare and infrastructure in Muslim-dominated areas.
He said the Constitution gives every community the right to build political leadership and stressed that without it, ideals such as equality and justice would remain incomplete.
“A leader will not fall from the sky. A poor man’s son or daughter from among you will rise and change the condition of the community,” he said.
The AIMIM chief also criticised both the BJP and the Congress, accusing them of misleading people about his party for political gain.
Targeting the proposed Uniform Civil Code, Owaisi described it as a direct attempt to interfere with the personal laws of minorities.
“If a Muslim wants to marry or distribute property, they will be told not to follow Shariah but other laws. This is a direct violation of Article 25,” he said.
He also criticised the Centre over recent changes to Waqf laws, alleging that they would allow authorities to take control of mosques, dargahs and graveyards.
He said such measures weaken religious and charitable institutions and run contrary to constitutional protections.
Owaisi further targeted ongoing demolition drives in Gujarat, questioning their impact on society and urging people to reflect on them.
Condemning what he termed “bulldozer politics”, he said governance should be guided by the Constitution and not arbitrary actions.
