AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Sparks Controversy in Lok Sabha with ‘Jai Palestine’ Slogan

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Sparks Controversy in Lok Sabha with ‘Jai Palestine’ Slogan

A major controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi raised a slogan in favor of Palestine during his swearing-in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

The Hyderabad lawmaker, after taking his oath as an MP in the 18th Lok Sabha, chanted ‘Jai Palestine’ in the House. This action quickly invited backlash from the treasury benches, leading to chaos and uproar in the chamber.

BJP members vociferously opposed Owaisi’s chant, demanding that his slogan be expunged from the official proceedings of the House. Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding at the time, assured members that only the oath ceremony would be recorded, and no additional comments would be included in the official record.

Prior to his oath-taking, Owaisi was greeted with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans by some members, adding to the tense atmosphere. Addressing questions on Owaisi’s remarks, Kiren Rijiju stated, “We do not have any enmity with Palestine or any other country. While taking the oath, is it proper for any member to raise a slogan praising another country? We will have to check the rules if it is appropriate…”

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy condemned Owaisi’s slogan, calling it “absolutely wrong.” He further remarked, “On one hand, he is taking an oath in the name of the Constitution and, on the other, giving a slogan against the Constitution. The real face of Owaisi is out.”

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje also lodged a formal complaint against Owaisi, seeking action against him for what she described as an insulting act.

Despite the backlash, Owaisi defended his remarks, stating, “Everyone is saying a lot of things… I just said ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Mim, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine’… how is it against the Constitution? Show me where this provision is there in the Constitution… You should also listen to what others said. I said what I had to.”

Owaisi’s controversial slogan comes against the backdrop of his previous comments during the Israel-Gaza conflict, where he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a ‘devil.’ This latest incident underscores the ongoing tension and complex dynamics within the Lok Sabha.