‘Where has its nationalism gone?’: Asaduddin Owaisi accuses Centre of double standards on China investments; targets silence on Donald Trump remarks

NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday questioned the BJP-led Centre’s nationalist credentials, accusing it of inviting Chinese companies to invest in India despite security concerns following Operation Sindoor, and of remaining silent over what he described as repeated insults by US President Donald Trump.Addressing a rally for AIMIM candidates contesting the January 15 Jalna Municipal Corporation elections, Owaisi alleged that China had supplied arms to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. He claimed that nearly 80 per cent of Pakistan’s military equipment was sourced from China and said, “Despite this, the Indian government is inviting Chinese companies to invest in the country.”He also accused the BJP leadership of failing to respond to Trump’s public remarks on India. “US President Trump has been repeatedly insulting and mocking India. However, the BJP leadership has remained silent. Where has its nationalism gone?” Owaisi asked. There was no immediate response from the government or the BJP to his allegations.Owaisi further criticised the Centre’s decision to grant asylum to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her ouster, questioning why Indian Muslims were often branded as Bangladeshis while Hasina was given refuge in India. He also raised concerns over the prolonged incarceration of Muslim youth without trial, saying denial of bail violated Article 21 of the Constitution.The AIMIM chief accused the Congress of enabling extended detention without bail through amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, holding it responsible for the continued imprisonment of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.On Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the Centre over reports of easing curbs on Chinese companies and over Trump’s comments on India’s ties with Russia.