All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday asked voters, especially Muslims, to support the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, stressing that neither the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nor the Congress wants Muslims to have their own leadership in the state.
“The state government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, is promoting hate politics, and more than 50,000 Muslim homes have been demolished in recent years, leaving families homeless,” he said.
Owaisi said the Congress stands with the BJP on its treatment of minorities. “Congress remained silent when Himanta was attacking the Miya community time and again, which shows that both parties have a similar stand when it comes to treatment of the Miya community,” he added while campaigning for AIUDF.
He also referred to Sarma’s earlier statements regarding the Miya Muslim community, which, according to him, was politically marginalized, and said such statements contribute to strengthening cohesion among Muslims.
He added: “Himanta said that he would break the backbone of the Mayas, but I say by the grace of God that they are there and will respond decisively through the ballot on April 9.”
Owaisi also referred to a statement issued by the Prime Minister in which he said: “Himanta asked the people of Assam to trouble the Mayas, and give them less fare. If he needs two rupees, I will collect them from my people and give them to him.”
Responding to Owaisi’s criticism, Sarma said he had no objection to the AIMIM leader campaigning in Assam or raising religious slogans, but warned against any attempt to incite communal tension.
“I have no problem if he campaigns in Assam and raises religious slogans, but if he tries to create communal tension, appropriate action will be taken. I know how to give them proper treatment, and I will do that if he tries to create communal tension,” Sarma said.
The political exchange comes amid intense campaigning ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. The state will vote in one phase for all 126 constituencies on April 9, and the counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which includes the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People’s Front, is seeking a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress is trying to return to politics.
The AIUDF was an ally of the Congress in the 2021 Assembly elections, but is contesting independently this time.
