Defiant AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi stuck to his controversial “Jai Palestine” remark during the oath-taking in Lok Sabha, stating on Wednesday that he knows the Constitution and empty threats will not work on him.
While being sworn in as an MP in the 18th session of the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Owaisi ended his oath with the words, “Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine.”
Responding to calls for his removal and demands for an apology, Asaduddin Owaisi said, as reported by ANI, “Let them do whatever they want. I also know a little bit about the Constitution. These empty threats will not work on me.”
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On his official ‘X’ handle, Owaisi posted on Tuesday, “Sworn in as a member of Lok Sabha for the fifth time. Inshallah, I will continue to raise issues of India’s marginalised with sincerity.”
AIMIM chief’s ‘Jai Palestine’ remark
Speaking to ANI, Owaisi commented, “Everyone is making a lot of noise… I said, ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine’… If it’s objectionable, show me where it violates the Constitution?”
His comments had caused a stir in the Lower House. Radha Mohan Singh, presiding over the House, reassured members that only the oath or affirmation would be officially recorded.
The commotion lasted a few minutes before oath-taking again resumed.
Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab quickly returned to the Chair and emphasised, “I have previously requested to refrain from mentioning anything other than the oath or affirmation. Only that will be recorded. Please adhere to this.”
When asked about his reason for saying ‘Jai Palestine’, Owaisi explained, “The people there are suffering. Mahatma Gandhi has expressed many sentiments regarding Palestine, which one can read about.”
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, shared on X a snippet of Article 102 of the Constitution and a video clip of Owaisi’s slogan. “As per current rules, Asaduddin Owaisi can face disqualification from his Lok Sabha membership for showing allegiance to a foreign state, Palestine,” Malviya stated.
Article 102 outlines the grounds for disqualification as a Member of Parliament.
Owaisi defeated BJP’s Madhavi Latha by 3,38,087 votes in the recent parliamentary election, claiming a fifth consecutive victory from Hyderabad in Telangana.
-With agency inputs
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Published: 26 Jun 2024, 11:10 AM IST
