Maharashtra BJP MLA Offers Reward for ‘Cutting Off Owaisi’s Tongue’

Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has stirred controversy by announcing a reward for anyone who “cuts off” the tongue of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. This incendiary remark came in response to Owaisi chanting “Jai Palestine” during his oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha.

Rane’s Statement: Rane criticized Owaisi’s actions by drawing a stark comparison. “If someone had chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ or ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Pakistani parliament, he wouldn’t have come out alive,” Rane told the media. He emphasized that such actions in Indian parliament, which is respected and run by the constitution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, are unacceptable. “People who chant these slogans shouldn’t be allowed to leave the parliament on two legs. The Pakistani or Chinese people wouldn’t tolerate such acts in their parliaments,” he added.

He further escalated his rhetoric by offering a reward for cutting off Owaisi’s tongue. “How did Owaisi freely leave the parliament saying ‘Jai Palestine’? No nation allows a person who does such an act to live,” he said.

"Cut Asaduddin Owaisi's tongue and bring it to me, I will reward you. How did Owaisi freely walk out of the parliament saying 'Jai Palestine'? No nation leaves alive a person who does such an act."

– #BJP MLA #NiteshRane on #AIMIM MP #AsaduddinOwaisi's #Palestine remark. pic.twitter.com/g03kaXmmGT
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) June 27, 2024

Context: The AIMIM chief’s oath-taking on Tuesday, June 25, ended with him raising slogans including ‘Jai Palestine,’ ‘Jai MIM,’ ‘Jai BHIM,’ ‘Jai Telangana,’ and ‘Takbeer Allah hu Akbar.’ This led to a series of controversies.

Following the ceremony, Owaisi posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Sworn in as member of Lok Sabha for the fifth time. Inshallah I will continue to raise issues of India’s marginalized with sincerity.”

Political Reactions: RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari also criticized Owaisi, accusing him of promoting divisive politics similar to some BJP leaders. “Spreading hatred is common to both Owaisi and the BJP. One BJP MP also chanted ‘Jai Hindu Rashtra’ after taking the oath in the Lok Sabha. What is happening to the secular nature of the country, where we respect and accept all religions? If people, especially those in power, start saying things like this, it will be the most unfortunate situation,” Tiwari said.

Earlier…

Asaduddin Owaisi Raises ‘Jai Palestine’ Slogan in Lok Sabha, Faces Criticism from BJP — Duplicate

Owaisi remained unrepentant, defending his actions by stating that he also chanted “Jai Bhim, Jai Mim, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine,” questioning how his remarks were against the Constitution.

New Delhi: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi sparked controversy in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, June 25, by raising a slogan in favor of Palestine during his swearing-in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Sworn in as member of Lok Sabha for the fifth time. Inshallah I will continue to raise issues of India’s marginalised with sinceritypic.twitter.com/OloVk6D65B
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 25, 2024

Incident Details:

Owaisi, after taking his oath as an MP in the 18th Lok Sabha, chanted “Jai Palestine” in the House.
This act immediately drew backlash from BJP members, leading to uproar and chaos in the House.
Reactions:

BJP Leaders’ Criticism:
- Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh criticized Owaisi for raising a pro-Palestine slogan in the Indian Parliament, suggesting that if Owaisi had such strong feelings for Palestine, he should go there.
- Singh also pointed out the potential backlash if someone had raised a “Jai Israel” slogan in Parliament.
- Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and other BJP members labeled Owaisi’s actions as “absolutely wrong” and against the spirit of the Constitution.
Parliamentary Proceedings:
- Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding over the session, assured that only the oath ceremony would be recorded officially, excluding any additional slogans.
- Owaisi was initially greeted with “Jai Shri Ram” slogans as he approached the podium for his oath.
Union Ministers’ Responses:
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned the appropriateness of raising slogans praising another country during the oath ceremony.
- Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje lodged a formal complaint against Owaisi, seeking action for his conduct.
Owaisi’s Defense:
Owaisi remained unrepentant, defending his actions by stating that he also chanted “Jai Bhim, Jai Mim, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine,” questioning how his remarks were against the Constitution.

This incident highlights the intense political and ideological divides in the Indian Parliament, particularly regarding international issues and national loyalty.