AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks while taking oath as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday sparked a major political controversy. After being sworn in as a Member of Parliament, Owaisi drew criticism for expressing solidarity with the war-torn Palestinian Territory.
The five-time Member of Parliament from Hyderabad raised slogans of 'Jai Telangana' and 'Jai Palestine' after taking the oath. Owaisi, however, defended his remarks by saying that he would not be intimidated by “empty threats” over his speech in Parliament.
“Let them do whatever they want. I also know a little about the Constitution. These empty threats will not work on me,” Owaisi said.
Earlier, Owaisi defended the 'Jai Palestine' slogan in Parliament, saying that there was no provision in the Indian constitution that said his comment was objectionable. This comes shortly after several political leaders suggested that he be disqualified from parliament for his remarks.
After being sworn in as an MP, Owaisi told ANI, “Everyone is saying so many things… I just said 'Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine'… It How is it against, show the provisions in the Constitution?”
Asked why he said 'J Palestine', Owaisi said, “The people of Wah are mahram (people there are destitute). Mahatma Gandhi has said many things regarding Palestine and one can go and read them.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju on Tuesday asserted that it is inappropriate to shout slogans for another country while taking oath in Parliament.
“We have no animosity towards Palestine or any other country. The issue is whether while taking the oath, is it appropriate for any member to raise a slogan in praise of another country,” the Union minister said.
Rijijo added, “We have no problem with any other country but we have to check the rules if it is appropriate. Some members have come to me and complained about raising the Palestine slogan at the end of the oath.”
(with input from ANI)