Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday said that if offering namaz on roads is considered unacceptable, then the same standard should apply to religious celebrations and processions of every faith held on public streets.
Speaking at the AIMIM headquarters in Hyderabad, Owaisi condemned what he described as increasing attacks on Muslims and alleged efforts to marginalise the community and reduce them to “second-class citizens.”
Owaisi Questions Double Standards on Religious Gatherings
Referring to debates around Muslims offering namaz on roads, Owaisi argued that religious activities by all communities should be treated equally under the law.
“Remember Article 25. If offering namaz on roads is wrong, then festivals of every religion on roads are also wrong,” he said, referring to the constitutional provision guaranteeing freedom of religion.
He also questioned why objections are raised against Muslims praying in public spaces while religious processions and yatras allegedly blocking roads are often accepted.
“How long does namaz on roads take when it happens?” Owaisi asked, adding that festivals and religious events of different faiths frequently take place on public roads across India.
Remarks on Ramzan, Meat Shops and Restrictions
The AIMIM chief further claimed that if authorities demand closure of meat shops during festivals of one community, similar rules should apply universally.
“If you say meat shops should be closed during someone’s festival, then all liquor shops should be closed for 30 days during Ramzan,” he said.
Owaisi also alleged that restrictions are often imposed on the sale of eggs, meat and chicken during Hindu festivals and accused some groups of attempting to portray Muslim food habits negatively.
He claimed that members of the Sangh Parivar wanted to make “everyone in the country vegetarian.”
Raises Fuel Price Concerns Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Speaking on rising fuel prices, Owaisi questioned why consumers were not benefiting despite reports of Indian companies earning large profits through discounted Russian oil imports.
He linked the issue to concerns over supply disruptions due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and asked why rising profits were not translating into relief for ordinary citizens.
‘India Belongs to Muslims Too’
Asserting that Muslims are equal stakeholders in the country, Owaisi said the community would continue to raise its concerns through democratic means.
“India belongs to Muslims as well,” he said, while asking, “How can you snatch away my religious freedom?”
He also criticised the lack of wider discussion on crimes against women and questioned the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Assam, claiming Hindu marriage principles were being imposed on Muslims.
References to History and Religious Practices
During his speech, Owaisi referred to ancient Indian texts and historical figures while discussing food practices.
He claimed that meat consumption is mentioned in Arthashastra and cited remarks attributed to Swami Vivekananda about beef consumption in ancient Hindu rituals.
The AIMIM chief also accused television channels of focusing on issues like namaz on roads while ignoring concerns such as the distress faced by parents over examination controversies like the NEET paper leak.
