AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Ignites Controversy with 'Slaughter Beef' Remark

Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, has ignited a controversy during his campaign in Hyderabad with his remarks about slaughtering beef. In a video that has gone viral, Owaisi was seen greeting the butcher of a beef shop in Hyderabad's Old City, saying "Rehan beef shop zindabad" and telling them to "keep slaughtering".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Owaisi's statements, finding the video offensive. Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman condemned Owaisi's political rhetoric as "extreme and indecent". This is not the first time the AIMIM leader has been embroiled in a beef controversy. He had previously stated that there would be no beef if his party was not in power.

Why this matters: Owaisi's remarks have the potential to inflame communal tensions and polarize voters along religious lines ahead of upcoming elections. The controversy highlights the sensitive and divisive nature of the beef issue in India, where cow slaughter is banned in most states.

Owaisi is facing a challenge in the Hyderabad constituency from Hindutva exponent Madhavi Latha, who has accused the Owaisi family of retaining the seat due to bogus voters. The constituency was already in the spotlight before the beef row due to Madhavi Latha's alleged gesture of shooting an arrow towards a mosque during a Ram Navami procession, an act that Owaisi denounced as an attempt to undermine the peace between Hindus and Muslims.

Reacting to the criticism, Owaisi defended his remarks, stating, "I am not ashamed of what I said. I am a Muslim and I will continue to speak up for the rights of my community. The BJP's hypocrisy on the beef issue is well known." The AIMIM chief accused the BJP of politicizing the matter to gain electoral mileage.

As the controversy continues to simmer, the impact on the political dynamics in Hyderabad and beyond remains uncertain. With communal tensions running high, leaders from across the political spectrum have called for restraint and harmony. The Election Commission is closely monitoring the situation to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Key Takeaways

• Owaisi's remarks about slaughtering beef spark controversy in Hyderabad
• BJP criticizes Owaisi's statements, calling them "extreme and indecent"
• Beef issue is sensitive and divisive in India, where cow slaughter is banned
• Owaisi faces challenge from Hindutva candidate Madhavi Latha in Hyderabad
• Controversy highlights communal tensions, with calls for restraint and harmony