The Democracy News | New Delhi: Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), sparked controversy in the Lok Sabha on June 25 by chanting 'Jai Palestine' after being sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP). Shortly after taking the oath in the 18th Lok Sabha, the Hyderabad lawmaker's slogan in support of Palestine drew criticism from BJP members.
Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh commented that Owaisi's action of chanting 'Jai Palestine' in the esteemed Lok Sabha was inappropriate, suggesting that if Owaisi truly cared for Palestine, he should go there. The slogan triggered a swift response from the ruling party members, causing a commotion in the House.
The BJP members demanded that Owaisi's 'Jai Palestine' slogan be removed from the House records. During the oath ceremony, when Owaisi approached the podium, he was greeted with 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans. Responding to questions regarding Owaisi's slogan, Kiren Rijiju stated that while there is no hostility towards Palestine or any other country, it may not be appropriate for a member to praise another country while taking the oath.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy criticized Owaisi's gesture, calling it inappropriate to take an oath in the name of the Constitution while chanting slogans against it. Furthermore, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje filed a formal complaint against Owaisi for his actions.
Owaisi defended his remarks, stating that his slogans, including 'Jai Palestine,' were not in violation of the Constitution. Last year, during the conflict between Israel and Gaza, Owaisi had criticized Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him as a 'devil.'