Owaisi backs AIUDF in Assam, says BJP, Cong don’t want Muslim leadership

ALl republic of republic of india Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on th asked voters, in particular Muslims, to plump for the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the upcoming Assam assembly polls, underlining that neither the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nor the Congress wanted Muslims to have their own leadership in the state.“The state government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma is promoting politics of hatred, and more than 50,000 Muslim homes have been demolished in recent years, leaving families homeless,” he said.Owaisi said the Congress stood with the BJP on its treatment of the minorities. “Congress remained silent when Himanta was attacking the Miya community again and again, which shows that both parties have a similar stance when it comes to treating the Miya community,” he added while campaigning for the AIUDF.He also referred to Sarma’s earlier remarks on the Miya Muslim community, which, according to him, was politically marginalised, and said such statements were contributing to greater consolidation among Muslims.“Himanta said he will break the backbone of the Miyas, but I say, by the grace of Allah, they will exist and they will respond decisively through the ballot on April 9,” he said.Owaisi also recalled a statement by the chief minister, saying, “Himanta asked the people of Assam to trouble the Miyas, give them less fare. If he needs two rupees, I will collect it from my people and give it to him.”Sarma responded to Owaisi’s barbs, saying he has 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 issues 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 attempts to create tensions on communal grounds,” Sarma said.The political exchange comes amid an intensifying campaign ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. The state will vote in a single phase for all 126 constituencies on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, is seeking a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress is attempting a political comeback.The AIUDF was an ally of the Congress in the 2021 Assembly elections, but is contesting independently this time.