Searched for a mountain, found not even a mouse: Owaisi targets BJP over SIR

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi targeted the BJP over its Hyderabad "surgical strike" claims and criticised the SIR exercise, alleging it had affected the livelihoods of the poor. He also defended a Delhi mosque's Waqf status, called for independent Muslim political leadership and questioned the cases against Azam Khan.

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on the BJP, questioning its earlier claims of conducting a "surgical strike" in Hyderabad, challenging the party to explain the outcome of its political rhetoric against the city.

Owaisi took a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leaders, asking what had happened to their claims of taking strong action in Hyderabad to flush out infiltrators.

He pointed out that despite extensive searches, the BJP had failed to find anything substantial, comparing the exercise to searching for a mountain but finding not even a mouse.

Owaisi also slammed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise had affected the livelihoods of poor people who were forced to spend one or two days dealing with the process.

He said AIMIM's office had worked without religious discrimination, helping people irrespective of whether they belonged to the Hindu or Muslim community.

Reacting to questions about a possible political alliance, Owaisi said any alliance would have to be based on equality, mutual respect and dignity.

Taking an apparent dig at parties reluctant to ally with AIMIM but seeking its participation in other political activities, he said, "Aap kare toh Raasleela, hum kuch bolein toh character dheela," questioning what he described as double standards.

He said AIMIM would take a decision on its political strategy at the appropriate time and asked the media not to speculate about alliance discussions or impose deadlines on the party.

DEFENDS DELHI MOSQUE'S WAQF STATUS

Owaisi also strongly objected to the reported notice concerning a mosque near Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, arguing that the structure predates the construction of Lutyens' Delhi and is a registered Waqf property.

He said the mosque was a part of the country's historical and cultural heritage and questioned the government's claim over the property.

Owaisi urged Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to clarify the legal position, arguing that if the government disputed the mosque's Waqf status, it should approach the appropriate legal forum, including the Waqf Tribunal or the relevant L&DO authority, rather than issue notices questioning its ownership.

He maintained that the mosque had a registered Waqf status and that prayers had been offered there for decades. He also questioned the government's interpretation of secularism, asking whether legally protected Waqf properties could be threatened with demolition.

Referring to the Central Vista project's Bhumi Pujan, Owaisi questioned the message conveyed by conducting religious ceremonies for a project undertaken by a government in a country that does not have an official state religion.

SAYS MUSLIMS MUST BUILD THEIR OWN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Taking a swipe at the BJP's political rhetoric against Muslims, Owaisi said Muslims should not be reduced to stereotypes or made to fear political organisations.

"Abdul ab neta banega. Abdul dari nahi bichayega, na Abdul RSS se darega, na kisi ke saamne sar jhukayega. Abdul apna kaam karega, neta banega," he said, stressing the need for independent political leadership among minorities and weaker sections.

He expressed confidence that AIMIM candidates would win elections and said the party was working towards creating leadership among minorities, Dalits and Pasmanda communities.

QUESTIONS SELECTIVE ACTION AGAINST AZAM KHAN

Owaisi also raised questions over the legal cases against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, asking why Khan had faced imprisonment while others accused in related matters had seemingly escaped similar consequences.

He said the issue raised questions about selective action and accountability and should be placed before the public.

Owaisi further referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier promises on employment and economic issues, questioning why the BJP was not being held accountable for its own political deadlines and assurances.