Asaduddin Owaisi defends ‘Jai Palestine’ slogan in Parliament, complaint filed

Asaduddin Owaisi defended his remarks while talking to reporters outside Parliament. (File photo)

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi’s remarks after taking his oath as a Lok Sabha member have sparked a massive political controversy. Following his oath – that he took in Urdu – he expressed solidarity with the conflict-affected region of Palestine, praised his state, Telangana, and raised the AIMIM’s slogan for Muslims.

Owaisi’s oath led to strong reactions from members of the treasury benches, prompting the chair to strike it off from the official record.

The five-time MP from Hyderabad, however, defended his remarks while talking to reporters outside Parliament. He said, “Other members are also saying different things. I said ‘Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine’. How is it wrong? Tell me the provision of the Constitution. You should also listen to what others say. I said what I had to. Read what Mahatma Gandhi had said about Palestine.”

When he was asked the reason for mentioning Palestine, Owaisi explained, “They are oppressed people”.

Owaisi’s remark triggered an uproar with at least two complaints being filed against him. The first complaint was filed by advocate Vineet Jindal, who on X confirmed he had filed a complaint against Owaisi under Article 103 of the Constitution of India.

“Adv. Vineet Jindal filed a Complaint under Article 103 of Constitution of India with the president of India seeking disqualification of Asaduddin Owaisi, MP under Article 102 (4) for showing his allegiance or adherence to a foreign State “Palestine”, (sic), his tweet read.

Another complaint against Owaisi was filed by advocate Hari Shankar Jain on the former’s slogans in the House, according to India Today.

Owaisi’s remarks were expunged even as he came out of the House and told reporters there was nothing wrong in him saying “Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine”.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, said he has received complaints from some members about the mention of Palestine.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader, who has been elected from the Hyderabad seat for his fifth term, took oath in Urdu on Tuesday. He also recited a prayer before taking the oath.