Hyderabad: Muslim leadership remarks by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi triggered a political row in Telangana, with BJP leader N. Ramachandra Rao strongly countering his statements on representation.
Owaisi said that while several social groups in India had leadership, Muslims lacked independent political leadership. He made the remarks during a public meeting linked to the West Bengal Assembly elections. He also stated that Muslims were being reduced to voters and needed to build their own leadership.
However, Ramachandra Rao rejected the claim and questioned the need for separate leadership. He referred to remarks attributed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, stating that Congress represented Muslim interests. He asked why separate leadership was necessary if that position held.
Muslim leadership debate intensifies after Owaisi speech
Further, Ramachandra Rao said the claim about lack of leadership was not valid. He argued that several Muslim leaders were already part of the Congress party. He also said the BJP did not promote leadership along caste lines.
Additionally, he stated that the party worked for the welfare of all communities, including backward classes, Dalits, and tribal groups. He accused Owaisi of making divisive statements for political gain and advised him to avoid such remarks.
The BJP intensified its criticism of Owaisi following his public meeting speech.