Pune: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday dismissed the perception that Muslims will outnumber Hindus in India, calling it a false narrative used to target the community. Speaking at a meet-the-press event organized by the Pune Working Journalists Union, Owaisi said official data proves otherwise.
Citing the latest National Family Health Survey, he said the fertility rate among Muslims has dropped sharply. “Muslims are focused on progress through education. Women in particular are prioritizing learning and opportunities,” he noted.
Owaisi also raised concerns about educational access. He pointed out that the government has failed to establish enough schools in Muslim-dominated areas, forcing many children to attend madrasas. “Madrasas are mainly for religious instruction. If the government sets up proper schools, parents will send their children there,” he added.
The AIMIM leader accused the central government of systematically discriminating against Muslims and creating hurdles to their advancement. He stressed that social evils exist in every community, but Muslims are striving to move forward with education as their main tool.
At a public rally in Kolhapur a day earlier, Owaisi criticized the government for allowing cricket matches with Pakistan during the Asia Cup. Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, he said, “While we banned Pakistani flights and took tough measures, the Prime Minister himself declared that blood and water do not flow together. Then why are we playing cricket with Pakistan?”
Owaisi urged policymakers to address discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for Muslim citizens.
