AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday expressed his vision of a future where a “hijab-clad daughter” could become the Prime Minister of India, invoking the secular and egalitarian values enshrined in the Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. Speaking at a rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, Owaisi emphasised that the Constitution allows any citizen, regardless of religion, to hold high public office, including the post of Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Mayor.

“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,” Owaisi said. “We may not be around to witness the day, but a day will come when this will be possible.”

Drawing a comparison with Pakistan, he highlighted the religious restrictions in that country’s constitution, which allows only adherents of Islam to hold the prime ministerial post. He also condemned the rising communal hate in India, asserting that those spreading hatred against Muslims will eventually lose influence.

“The hate that you are spreading against Muslims, this will not go on for long. When love becomes common, then they will realise how people’s minds were poisoned,” he added.

BJP Suggests a Starting Point

Owaisi’s remarks immediately drew responses from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla challenged him to ensure that a Pasmanda Muslim or hijab-wearing woman is made the president of AIMIM first, before envisioning them as Prime Minister.

“Hijabwali will become PM says Miyaan Owaisi. Miyaan Owaisi—constitution stops nobody, but I challenge you to make a Pasmanda or Hijabwali as your president of AIMIM first,” Poonawalla posted on X.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also responded, claiming that while the Constitution imposes no formal bar, India’s identity as a Hindu nation means the Prime Minister will always be a Hindu.

“Constitutionally, there is no bar on anyone becoming the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu nation with a Hindu civilisation, and we strongly believe that the Prime Minister of India will always be a Hindu,” Sarma said.

Shiv Sena Spokesperson Emphasises Merit-Based Leadership

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC critiqued Owaisi’s comments from a practical perspective, pointing out that the Prime Minister’s post is currently occupied by Narendra Modi, whose popularity and mandate are widely recognised.

“Asaduddin Owaisi, there is no vacancy for the Prime Minister’s slot. First, let your members of parliament be elected, then dream about a Prime Minister. Yes, at some stage, we too would want a woman Prime Minister, but not based on her caste, creed, or community, but on her good work and the popular mandate of the people of India,” Shaina said.

She reiterated that leadership should be grounded in performance and popular mandate, and any future support for a woman Prime Minister should be merit-based, rather than determined by identity factors such as religion or community.

Owaisi Critiques Congress Over UAPA

Apart from his comments on a hijab-clad Prime Minister, Owaisi also launched a critique of the Congress party, blaming it for the prolonged incarceration of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. He argued that amendments introduced under Congress-led governments, particularly during P. Chidambaram’s tenure as Union Home Minister, strengthened the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and led to extended detention of undertrial prisoners.

“The Congress is responsible for strengthening UAPA, which has resulted in prolonged incarceration of activists like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam,” he stated, highlighting the party’s alleged role in making the provisions more stringent.

Political Implications

Owaisi’s remarks are likely to generate both support and criticism, reflecting the ongoing debate over identity, secularism, and political representation in India. While his statement invokes the Constitutional principle of equality, political opponents have seized the moment to question the practicality and symbolic intent of his dream, linking it to party leadership dynamics and broader political realities.

As the discourse unfolds, reactions from BJP, Shiv Sena, and other parties underscore the continuing tension between constitutional ideals and political narratives in contemporary India, particularly concerning minority representation and the role of merit versus identity in leadership positions.