Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), sparked controversy on Tuesday while taking his oath as a Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad. Owaisi took the oath in Urdu and concluded with the slogan, “Jai Bheem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine,” which immediately drew objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs.
Radha Mohan Singh, who presided over the oath-taking ceremony, assured that Palestine would be expunged from Parliament’s official records. Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab reiterated that only the oath or affirmation should be recorded, urging members to adhere strictly to this protocol.
Owaisi defended his slogan, asserting that he had not violated any constitutional provisions. He noted that other members also expressed different sentiments during their oaths. He pointed to historical support for Palestine, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s views.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticized Owaisi’s remarks as “absolutely wrong” and against the rules of the House, accusing him of engaging in unconstitutional actions. Owaisi, speaking to reporters, explained that he mentioned Palestine to highlight the plight of the oppressed people there.
Owaisi secured his position in the Lok Sabha for the fifth time by defeating BJP candidate Madhavi Latha by a margin of over 3.38 lakh votes.
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