Owaisi's 'Muslim MLA' remark triggers Yogi's response
What's the story
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit back at All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his statement on a Muslim winning in the state. Owaisi had said that "Abdul" would not bow down and would become an MLA, drawing inspiration from Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan, United States. He also spoke about a possible Muslim Chief Minister for Uttar Pradesh and a burqa-clad woman as India's PM.
Political response
Owaisi's ambitions will never be realized: Yogi
Responding to Owaisi's remarks, Yogi accused him of pushing an anti-India and anti-Hindu agenda. He said such agendas weaken India's unity and have no place in Uttar Pradesh.
"Owaisi will bring an agenda that is anti-India, anti-Hindu, and against the country's constitutional values," Yogi said.
He added that Owaisi's political ambitions would never be realized due to his divisive views.
Broader critique
Yogi takes dig at Congress, SP
Yogi also took a dig at the Congress and Samajwadi Party, saying their politics was no different from Owaisi's.
He claimed all three parties were playing with India's faith and identity.
The Chief Minister suggested that the three parties should come together, as their political stances and agendas were similar.
Reactions
Congress, SP react to Owaisi's statement
The Congress and Samajwadi Party also reacted to Owaisi's remarks.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said victories of Indians abroad should be a matter of pride, irrespective of their names or religious identities.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma welcomed El-Sayed's victory as a Democratic candidate and pointed out his Egyptian descent.