NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma countered AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks of India's potential to see a "hijab-clad" daughter as the Prime Minister. He said that India is a Hindu nation and the Prime Minister of India shall always be a Hindu person.
Responding to Owaisi's remark, Sarma said, "Constitutionally, there is no bar. Anyone can become the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu nation, Hindu civilisation, and we will always believe, and we are extremely confident that the Indian Prime Minister will always be a Hindu person."
BJP spokesperson also sharply responded to the statement, challenging Owaisi of making a burqa-clad woman or anyone from the Pasmanda community to make the President of his own party.Poonawala said, "Owaisi Miya, there is no restriction in the Constitution on whether the Prime Minister should be someone who wears a hijab or not. Anyone can become Prime Minister, but first, win the votes."
He further went on to challenge Owaisi saying, "Before dreaming of becoming Prime Minister, Owaisi Miya, why don’t you first make a hijab-wearing woman, a burqa-clad woman, or at least someone from the Pasmanda community the president of your own party?"Also read: Asaduddin Owaisi says India will one day have Hijab-clad PM
Earlier, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, highlighting the inclusivity in the Indian constitution, had stated that it is his dream to see a hijab-clad daughter as the Prime Minister of India. He drew comparisons with the Pakistani constitution, stating that Pakistan's constitution restricts non-muslim people from holding top positions.
"The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib's constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country," he said.The remarks come amid intense campaigning for Mumbai's upcoming civic elections, which are scheduled to be held on January 15. The results will be announced on January 16.
Curated by James Chen
