Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp critique against the Narendra Modi-led central government concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act while simultaneously addressing significant internal discord within his party during a public rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday evening. The event, held at the historic Aam Khas ground, served as a platform for both political attack and internal consolidation ahead of crucial civic polls.
Owaisi's Fiery Critique of Waqf Act and Delhi Demolition
In his address, Owaisi directly targeted the Union government over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, framing the upcoming elections as a referendum against it. He urged the crowd to view a vote for AIMIM's 'kite' symbol as a direct message to those who supported the legislation, which he labeled as unconstitutional.
"Your vote will be against Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, Congress, and those who are systematically weakening Waqf institutions across the country," Owaisi declared, broadening his criticism to include both ruling and opposition parties in Maharashtra.
He cited the alleged overnight demolition of a mosque property at Delhi's Turkman Gate as a prime example of the issues plaguing Waqf management. Owaisi claimed that despite the property's records existing in the official gazette and a High Court order recognizing its ownership, bulldozers were deployed at 1:30 am to raze it. He condemned the action, stating the HC order used for the demolition was "bad in law" and must be urgently challenged in the Supreme Court. He further accused the Delhi Waqf Board of inaction, calling its members "the most cruel people."
Quelling Internal Storm: Meetings and a Temporary Truce
The rally was held against a backdrop of serious unrest within the AIMIM's local unit in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The discontent stemmed primarily from the party's decision to deny tickets to 21 sitting corporators and instead accommodate candidates who had opposed AIMIM for over a decade and joined just before ticket distribution.
This move sparked opposition against AIMIM Maharashtra president and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel. To manage the crisis, Owaisi held a series of closed-door meetings earlier on Wednesday with disgruntled former corporators and senior office-bearers.
Party insiders indicated the meetings achieved partial success. In a visible sign of a temporary ceasefire, senior office-bearers Naser Siddiqui and Shaikh Ahmed, who had publicly demanded Jaleel's removal, shared the stage with Owaisi. They delivered speeches appealing for votes, signaling a pause in the internal rebellion for the sake of electoral unity.
Rallying the Cadre for Electoral Battle
Concluding the high-stakes rally, Owaisi focused on unity. He urged the AIMIM cadre to set aside differences and concentrate wholeheartedly on the impending civic elections. His call to action underscored the party's immediate priority: presenting a united front to the electorate despite the ongoing efforts to fully resolve dissent within its ranks.
The event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar thus served a dual purpose. It was a public demonstration of resistance against the central government's policy on Waqf properties and a critical internal maneuver to stabilize the party apparatus before heading into a competitive poll.
