22 April 2024
During an election rally in Kishanganj, Bihar, Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen), emphasized the need for quotas to increase the representation of Muslim women in Parliament. Kishanganj is the sole Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar with a Muslim majority, and AIMIM’s provincial unit chief and MLA Akhtarul Iman is contesting in this seat.
Owaisi addressed the accusation by BJP-RSS (Bharatiya Janata Party – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) that AIMIM discourages women’s participation in politics, highlighting their history of fielding female candidates dating back to 2004. He specifically mentioned late leader Humera Aziz, who ran in Secunderabad.
He pointed out the stark disparity in parliamentary representation, noting that out of 17 Lok Sabha elections since Independence, only around 20 Muslim women have become MPs. Owaisi argued for reservations to rectify this imbalance.
Referring to his experience in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi recounted facing skepticism when proposing an amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam presented by the Modi government. Despite the opposition, he emphasized divine support, saying “Allah is with me.”
The AIMIM chief highlighted that Muslims and backward classes constitute approximately 65% of India’s population and argued that women from these segments should not be deprived of their rights.
Owaisi claimed that his stance resonated with many OBC (Other Backward Classes) organizations, who appreciated his efforts in advocating for women’s reservations. He alleged that he and AIMIM MP Imtiyaz Jaleel were the only ones to raise this issue.
The AIMIM has announced plans to contest over a dozen Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, where a total of 40 seats are up for grabs.
