New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have sharply criticized AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi for his comments aimed at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the controversial topic of 'love jihad'. They argue that Owaisi lacks both moral and political authority to question the RSS chief's statements.

While addressing the Stri Shakti Samvad event in Bhopal, Bhagwat remarked that occurrences labeled as 'love jihad' predominantly stem from a lack of communication and moral values within families. He emphasized that any genuine effort to tackle such issues should initiate at home.

In response, Owaisi challenged the very basis of the terminology, asserting that adults possess a legal and constitutional right to select their partners.

"If 'love jihad' is indeed happening, then present the evidence in Parliament. Clearly define the term and provide records from the past eleven years," Owaisi stated.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo reacted strongly to Owaisi's comments, claiming, "Owaisi has neither the moral nor political standing to question RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Love jihad occurs when a Muslim youth or someone from another religion deceives Hindu girls by pretending to be innocent and even adopting Hindu identities."

He further clarified that this concept should not be misinterpreted as interfaith marriages.

"There is a distinct difference between a love marriage and love jihad. In a love marriage, individuals are free to practice their religion. However, love jihad involves the husband pressuring his wife to convert after marriage. It is a harsh reality, and our government is vigilant about it, taking strict actions against such incidents," Shah Deo added.

Support for Bhagwat came from Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, who claimed that his comments were being misrepresented.

"Mohan Bhagwat argues that by instilling good values within our society and family structures, marriages can be preserved. To dismiss alternative ideologies, we need a robust foundation of principles, value systems, and sanskriti sabhyata," she explained.

Criticizing Owaisi further, Shaina NC stated, "Owaisi has completely misunderstood what the RSS chief has conveyed. He has requested data on 'love jihad'. It is when a boy deceives a girl, ensnares her into marriage, and undermines the institution of marriage."

She continued, emphasizing that the matter is not about opposing marriages between consenting adults from different backgrounds.

"Are you suggesting that two consenting adults from diverse cultural backgrounds cannot marry? Who claimed that? We advocate against deception in relationships. People from various cultural backgrounds can indeed marry; this exemplifies the essence of unity in diversity," she stated.