Owaisi’s Controversial Remarks Spark Political Debate On Historical Figures & Religious Issues

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has ignited a political controversy with his remarks about historical figures, including Veer Savarkar and former RSS chief Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar.

Owaisi claimed that both men had ‘abused’ Chhatrapati Sambhaji, stirring debates within political circles.

Owaisi also took aim at calls for Muslims to stay indoors during Holi celebrations, emphasizing that Muslims are not ‘cowards’.

He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on the film Chhaava, which praises Golwalkar’s legacy. Owaisi asked why PM Modi supports the film while considering Golwalkar his mentor.

“Savarkar and Golwalkar had abused Sambhaji. Then, why does the Prime Minister Narendra Modi say that the movie ‘Chhaava’ is good, when he considers Golwalkar as his teacher?” Owaisi questioned.

The BJP sharply criticized Owaisi’s comments, while Congress offered support.

Congress MP Rashid Alvi, speaking on the issue, denied Savarkar’s religious affiliations.

“Savarkar was not a religious man. Whatever Savarkar used to eat, what he used to drink, BJP would not be able to digest it, so I do not want to indulge in this controversy by opening these pages of history,” Alvi told IANS.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, however, defended Savarkar’s contributions to the nation.

He noted, “Veer Savarkar made a significant contribution to this country. His services should not viewed through the lens of any one religion. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the pride of our country and our culture. If anyone wishes to view him through the lens of their own religion, it is their perspective.”

The controversy extended to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which Owaisi claimed would allow the government to seize Waqf properties.

In a speech in Hyderabad on Friday, Owaisi remarked, “The RSS is after the graves of the Mughals and the Waqf properties. The new law seeks to give rights over Waqf properties to those who have encroached on them.”

Alvi expressed similar concerns, calling the Bill ‘unconstitutional’ and warning it could lead to the government taking control of mosques and dargahs.

“This is why the government is introducing this law, which is unfortunate and unconstitutional,” Alvi emphasized.

Owaisi criticized advisories urging Muslims to stay indoors or cover themselves during Holi.

He responded, “We will not run, we are not cowards. Those who were scared ran away to Pakistan. Some say if you’re so scared, you should not offer Namaz and stay indoors. They say just like we have covered our mosques, we must cover ourselves also, or else stay indoors.”

Sirsa countered Owaisi’s remarks, denying any restrictions on Namaz.

He defended Holi celebrations, stating, “As far as stopping someone from praying Namaz is concerned, that is neither our country’s culture nor our government’s thinking. However, if someone has a problem with Holi, then they should refrain from coming out, as Holi comes once a year. There should not be a need for so many police personnel to be on duty just to ensure Holi can be celebrated. This kind of extremism is not part of India’s culture.”

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