Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies of targeting Muslim religious institutions through the Waqf Act. He raised the issue while addressing a public rally in Nanded ahead of the Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation elections scheduled on January 15.
Owaisi said the Act seeks to lock mosques and dispute ownership of centuries old dargahs. He alleged plans to place such properties under the Archaeological Survey of India. He described the move as an attack on Muslim religious rights and institutions.
Speaking to supporters, Owaisi urged voters to defeat the BJP, the Ajit Pawar led NCP, and the Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena. He said the election offered a chance to respond through the ballot. AIMIM has fielded 37 candidates for the 81 seat civic body.
Owaisi said Muslims are equal citizens of India. He rejected any portrayal of Muslims as outsiders. He linked protection of mosques, dargahs, and graveyards with constitutional rights related to faith and belief.
He also criticised the Special Intensive Revision process proposed for Maharashtra. He urged voters to participate actively to ensure retention of names on electoral rolls.
The AIMIM leader criticised Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for breaking away from Sharad Pawar. He alleged unequal treatment in corruption cases involving political leaders.
Referring to the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts, Owaisi recalled loss of 185 lives and long imprisonment of Muslim men later acquitted by the court. He said neither victims nor the accused received justice.
Owaisi called on Muslims to resist fear and engage in democratic action. He recalled Muslim participation in the freedom struggle and sacrifices during British rule.
