All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that India cannot truly become a “Vishwaguru” or global leader unless Muslims in the country are given justice and equal rights.
Addressing a public meeting in Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch region, Owaisi said that the country’s development narrative remains incomplete without inclusion and fairness for minorities.
“If this country is to become a Vishwaguru or a superpower, it cannot happen until Muslims of India get their rights,” he said.
He urged voters to support AIMIM candidates in the upcoming local body elections, including seats in Bhuj municipality and various taluka panchayats.
“Use your precious vote to strengthen our political leadership in Bhuj, Kutch and across Gujarat,” Owaisi told the gathering.
Call for Political Empowerment of Muslims
Owaisi said that Muslims in India must move beyond being “mere voters” and instead focus on building their own leadership.
“For 70 years, we have only been voters. Because of that, we have fallen behind in every field,” he said, adding that lack of political representation has affected access to education, healthcare and infrastructure in Muslim dominated areas.
He said the Constitution gives every community the right to build political leadership and argued that without it, constitutional ideals like 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.
Attack on BJP and Congress
The Hyderabad MP also criticised both the BJP and Congress, accusing them of misleading people about AIMIM.
He alleged that successive governments had failed to ensure equal development for minorities and claimed that discrimination had increased in recent years.
Owaisi also targeted central government policies, saying several laws introduced after 2014 were against constitutional principles.
He referred to the Citizenship Amendment Act and other reforms, alleging that they created inequality based on religion.
Comments on Uniform Civil Code and Waqf Law
Owaisi also criticised the proposed Uniform Civil Code, saying it would interfere with personal laws of minorities.
“If a Muslim wants to marry or distribute property, they will be told not to follow Shariat but other laws. This is a direct violation of Article 25,” he said.
He further alleged that recent changes related to Waqf properties could allow authorities to take control of mosques, dargahs and graveyards.
He said such measures weaken religious and charitable institutions and go against constitutional protections.
“The objective is to distance Muslims from their religion and weaken their institutions,” he claimed.
Criticism of Bulldozer Actions
Referring to demolition drives in Gujarat, Owaisi questioned their impact on society and urged people to reflect on them.
“I want to ask my Hindu brothers, what will you gain if Muslim houses and mosques are razed?” he said.
He added that governance should be guided by the Constitution and not “bulldozer politics”.
“This country will be run by Dr B R Ambedkar’s Constitution, not by bulldozers,” he said.
Elections Ahead in Gujarat
The remarks come ahead of Gujarat’s local body elections scheduled for April 26, with counting set for April 28. The polls will cover multiple district panchayats, taluka panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations across the state.
