'Slogans don't hide zero representation': Union minister Bandi Sanjay on Owaisi's 'burqa-clad PM' remark; hits back at AIMIM chief

NEW DELHI: Union minister and former Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Sunday said no woman has ever held a decision-making post in the AIMIM, reacting to a statement by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi that India would one day have a burqa-clad woman as its prime minister.

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“How many Muslim women has the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen actually given tickets to as MLAs or MPs? How many Muslim women hold real decision-making posts in the Majlis? Slogans cannot hide zero representation,” Kumar posted on X.



He also recalled the 2018 Telangana assembly elections, in which the BJP fielded a Muslim woman, Syed Shahezadi, against Owaisi’s brother, Akbaruddin, who went on to win.
"She was threatened, targeted, and defeated. This is your true face. Today, she serves on the National Commission for Minorities," the BJP leader stated.

The minister added that the BJP has a minority wing and grooms women leaders, and asked Owaisi what the AIMIM has “beyond rhetoric.” The Karimnagar Lok Sabha MP also accused the Hyderabad MP and the AIMIM of “intimidating” women activists who raise their voices against the party.

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"We understand your fear. Muslim women can see your hypocrisy clearly. Many view Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji as an elder brother who acted in their interests instead of confining them. BJP empowers women irrespective of religion. Asaduddin Owaisi, on the other hand, speaks of empowerment while imposing restrictions on women in party, public life, and even at home," Kumar posted.

Addressing an election rally on Friday in Maharashtra’s Solapur ahead of the January 15 civic polls, Owaisi said a hijab-clad woman would one day become India’s prime minister, as the country’s Constitution accords equal status to people from all communities, unlike in Pakistan, where members of only one faith can occupy top constitutional posts.

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