Constitution starts with we the people of India, not with Mother India, Owaisi’s sharp statement in Sadashivpet rally

News India Live, Digital Desk: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi targeted the central government and right-wing ideology during a public rally organized in Sadashivpet, Telangana. Citing the sanctity of the Indian Constitution, Owaisi said that the real strength of the country lies in its Constitution, which talks about equality.

Key Highlights of Owaisi’s speech

Quoting the Preamble of the Constitution: Owaisi said, “The Constitution of India is written in English words. ‘We the People of India’ (We the people of India). It does not begin with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.” He emphasized that this very first sentence of the Constitution reflects India’s diversity and democratic foundation.

Questions on identity politics: Taking a dig at the ruling party, he said that forcibly making someone raise any slogan is against the spirit of the Constitution. He clarified that he has full loyalty to the Constitution, but slogans of any particular ideology cannot be imposed on him.

Respect for Diversity: At the rally, Owaisi said that India is a country where people of different religions and cultures live together, and the Constitution ties them all together.

Political reaction and context

This statement of Owaisi has come at a time when there is a debate in the country regarding slogans of ‘India’ versus ‘Bharat’ and nationalism. BJP has often been targeting Owaisi for not saying ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. This argument of Owaisi is being considered as a constitutional answer to the same criticism.