What Did AIMIM Chief Owaisi Say About the SIR Issue, Waqf Act & Restoring Statehood in Puducherry?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Asaduddin Owaisi opposes the SIR exercise in Puducherry and Bihar.
- He emphasizes the need for restoring statehood and self-governance.
- Concerns over the Waqf Act highlight issues of property protection for Muslims.
- AIMIM is actively involved in legal actions regarding voter registration.
- Owaisi supports Operation Sindoor as a national initiative.
Puducherry, Aug 18 (NationPress) - Criticizing the Union government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Puducherry, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his disapproval of the recent SIR exercise in Bihar, which is preparing for elections later this year. He also addressed issues of misgovernance and the importance of restoring statehood.
During a public gathering in the Union Territory, Owaisi stated his intention to bolster AIMIM's influence and contest in the upcoming Assembly elections. He mentioned plans to visit Tamil Nadu shortly and discussed various concerns related to Puducherry, such as statehood, misgovernance, and the inadequate implementation of a two percent reservation for Muslim minorities.
Owaisi highlighted the absence of a Waqf Board Chairman and criticized the BJP government's implementation of the Waqf Act, which he claims jeopardizes the protection of Waqf properties and facilitates encroachments, ultimately harming the Muslim community.
Regarding Bihar's SIR, Owaisi pointed out that AIMIM's Bihar state party President, Akhtar-ul Iman, is among those petitioning the Supreme Court on this matter. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding documentation like the Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and Aadhaar Card, fearing many eligible voters may be excluded from the final voter list.
When questioned about the impact of tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the US, particularly affecting industries in Tamil Nadu and Surat, Owaisi stated that the resolution lies with the Prime Minister and the BJP government.
In response to queries regarding potential alliances before the upcoming elections in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, Owaisi deemed it premature to announce any collaborations.
On the topic of statehood for Puducherry, Owaisi emphasized that the concept of a Union Territory should not persist beyond 2025, arguing that self-governance is a fundamental right of the people. He stated that if Puducherry's residents unanimously seek statehood, the government must heed their demands.
Additionally, Owaisi reaffirmed his party's support for the Modi government's Operation Sindoor, a military initiative aimed at retaliating against Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.