KKN Gurugram Desk | All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has once again stirred political waters with a controversial and cryptic remark during a speech related to the Waqf Board and minority rights. While addressing a gathering on issues surrounding Waqf property misuse, Owaisi unexpectedly stated, “Pakistan has made me a groom,” triggering widespread speculation and reactions across party lines and social media.
The statement came amidst his demand for the arrest of BJP leader Vijay Shah, whom Owaisi accused of inciting communal hatred and misrepresenting facts about Muslim institutions, including the Waqf Board.
What Exactly Did Owaisi Say?
While speaking about the ongoing controversies surrounding Waqf land and the allegations raised by BJP leaders, Owaisi launched into a spirited defense of Muslim community rights. During this, he remarked:
“Waqf belongs to Muslims, it cannot be touched. But people like Vijay Shah have turned this into a communal issue. Now, they are saying Pakistan has made me a groom. What kind of nonsense is this?”
The “Pakistan made me a groom” comment — likely used sarcastically — was meant to underscore the absurdity of allegations often made by right-wing leaders against Muslim politicians in India. However, the line was quickly picked up by critics, who accused Owaisi of making flippant references to India’s arch-rival state.
Political Context: Waqf Properties and BJP’s Allegations
The backdrop to this statement involves ongoing disputes over Waqf properties in several Indian states. BJP leaders like Vijay Shah have recently claimed that certain Waqf land allocations are being misused, and that the board operates with undue autonomy, raising transparency concerns.
Owaisi, in response, defended the legal and historical validity of Waqf institutions, calling BJP’s statements an attempt to malign the Muslim community.
“If you have the courage, file a case and arrest me. Stop using Waqf for communal politics,” Owaisi challenged.
He also demanded Vijay Shah’s arrest, citing inflammatory statements made by the BJP leader regarding Muslim religious institutions.
What Is the Waqf Board and Why Is It in Controversy?
The Waqf Board manages endowments made by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. These properties — mosques, schools, graveyards, and community centers — are governed by the Waqf Act, 1995.
Over the years, Waqf Boards have been embroiled in allegations of corruption, illegal land deals, and mismanagement. In recent months, several BJP leaders have questioned the legality and scope of Waqf properties, leading to rising political temperatures.
Owaisi argues that these attacks are part of a larger political narrative aimed at vilifying Muslims and undermining legitimate Islamic institutions.
Owaisi’s Demand for Legal Action Against Vijay Shah
Owaisi has called upon the government and law enforcement to take immediate action against BJP’s Vijay Shah under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for:
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Spreading communal hatred
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Defaming minority communities
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Undermining constitutional institutions
He stressed that no one should be allowed to communalize administrative bodies like the Waqf Board, and accused BJP of trying to create fear and mistrust among Hindus and Muslims for electoral gain.
Media Reactions and Public Backlash
Owaisi’s “Pakistan made me a groom” remark quickly went viral, trending on social media platforms under hashtags like:
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#OwaisiSpeech
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#WaqfControversy
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#PakistanReference
While his supporters claimed the remark was satirical and misinterpreted, critics — especially from the BJP — accused him of playing victim while deflecting from core issues.
Several political commentators have noted that Owaisi’s rhetoric often straddles the line between satire and provocation, making him a favorite target in political debates.
Political Strategy or Sarcasm Gone Wrong?
Political analysts believe Owaisi’s statement was deliberately exaggerated to mock communal allegations, but such comments often backfire in India’s highly polarized political environment.
“He was ridiculing the right-wing narrative that brands every vocal Muslim as pro-Pakistan,” said political observer Rajeev Prasad. “But the line will now be used against him in every BJP speech.”
The remark might serve Owaisi’s core voter base, who see him as a fierce voice for Muslim issues. However, it also gives ammunition to his critics, particularly during an election year.
Owaisi and AIMIM: Minority Politics in Focus
Owaisi, who represents Hyderabad in Parliament and leads the AIMIM, is known for his fiery oratory and strong stance on Muslim issues. His party has been expanding into Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, often contesting in minority-dominated regions.
While AIMIM accuses the BJP of communal politics, critics often allege that Owaisi mirrors the same divisive tactics, albeit from the opposite end of the spectrum.
What Happens Next: Legal and Political Implications
There are now three key developments expected in the coming days:
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Potential FIRs or PILs against both Vijay Shah and Owaisi
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Clarification from AIMIM to control political damage from the viral remark
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Continued political sparring over Waqf property governance
The BJP may capitalize on the Pakistan reference to further polarize the debate, especially in states preparing for elections. Meanwhile, Owaisi will likely double down on his narrative, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional rights and minority protections.
Asaduddin Owaisi’s controversial “Pakistan made me a groom” comment adds another layer to the already sensitive Waqf and minority rights debate. Whether viewed as sarcasm, provocation, or a tactical political message, the fallout is indicative of India’s increasingly combative political discourse.
With rising communal rhetoric and heightened electoral stakes, both sides appear more focused on symbolism and statements than substantive dialogue. In this climate, every word becomes a weapon — and Owaisi’s latest remark is no exception.
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