Politics – Owaisi Targets Assam CM Over Remarks, Raises China Issue
Politics – A fresh political confrontation unfolded on Friday after AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his recent comments referring to “Miya Muslims,” a term commonly used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. The remarks have triggered a new round of debate on equality, governance, and political rhetoric.
Sharp Exchange at Nizamabad Rally
Addressing a public gathering in Nizamabad, Owaisi responded strongly to Sarma’s alleged suggestion that auto drivers identified as “Miya Muslims” should be paid less than the agreed fare. Referring to the reported statement, Owaisi mocked the Assam Chief Minister by sarcastically offering him two rupees, questioning whether he would accept it.
He said such remarks were not only inappropriate but also deeply divisive. According to Owaisi, public representatives must avoid language that can promote social discrimination or alienate communities.
The Hyderabad MP argued that elected leaders carry a responsibility to uphold constitutional principles, particularly the guarantee of equality before the law.
Constitutional Equality and Allegations of Discrimination
Owaisi emphasized that India’s Constitution ensures equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion or social background. He accused the Assam government of fostering discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims through repeated references to the term “Miya.”
“Our Constitution does not permit discrimination by anyone, whether a Prime Minister or a Chief Minister,” Owaisi said, questioning the political intent behind such statements.
The controversy comes amid ongoing political debates in Assam regarding illegal immigration. Chief Minister Sarma has frequently spoken about infiltration from neighboring Bangladesh and has maintained a strong stance on identifying undocumented migrants in the state.
Sarma’s Defense of the Term
Himanta Biswa Sarma has previously defended his use of the expression “Miya Muslims,” stating that the term was not coined by him. According to him, the phrase has been in use within sections of the Bengali-origin Muslim community itself for decades.
Supporters of the Assam Chief Minister argue that his remarks are part of a broader discussion on migration and demographic changes. Critics, however, believe that repeated references risk reinforcing stereotypes and deepening communal divisions.
The debate has once again placed Assam’s sensitive socio-political landscape under national focus, with opposition leaders demanding restraint in public discourse.
Owaisi Questions Centre Over China Standoff
In addition to targeting the Assam Chief Minister, Owaisi also directed criticism toward the central government over the controversy surrounding former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir on the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff with China.
The issue surfaced after Rahul Gandhi referred to details from the unpublished memoir during parliamentary proceedings. BJP leaders objected, arguing that citing unpublished material related to national security matters could undermine institutional protocols and affect the morale of the armed forces.
Owaisi alleged that questions remain about how the government responded during the early phase of the military tensions along the Line of Actual Control. He claimed that concerns about Chinese troop presence in Ladakh had been raised during the COVID-19 period and demanded clarity from the ruling establishment.
Parliamentary Dispute Intensifies
The memoir reference led to heated exchanges between the BJP and opposition parties both inside Parliament and in public forums. BJP leaders maintained that matters involving military operations require caution and responsibility. Opposition members, meanwhile, insisted that transparency is essential in a democracy.
The 2020 border tensions between India and China marked one of the most serious military confrontations in recent decades. Multiple rounds of diplomatic and military-level talks followed the initial clashes, resulting in phased disengagement in some areas.
As political reactions continue, the latest developments underscore how national security and regional identity issues remain deeply intertwined in India’s political discourse.