‘You can’t be court, judge and jury’: Owaisi hits out at Assam CM over evictions

Guwahati, April 2: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is campaigning in Assam for the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state government.

Targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Owaisi accused him of pursuing divisive politics and targeting minority communities.

“Did I make a video of Muslims being killed on social media? Did I say Muslims will be evicted? Did I say I would break their spines? I did not say any of this. I do not create controversy, the Chief Minister of Assam does. We want to strengthen people’s faith in the Constitution,” Owaisi told a television news channel.

Responding to the BJP’s assertion that AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal would not be accepted as Chief Minister, Owaisi said the debate should not be reduced to individual ambition.

“The issue is not about Ajmal’s personal ambition. It is about ensuring that the poor and the oppressed get their constitutional rights and a voice in the Assembly,” he said, urging voters to support the AIUDF.

Owaisi also criticised the state government’s eviction drives, alleging that due process was not being followed. He said any action related to detection and deportation must adhere strictly to legal procedures and principles of natural justice.

“There is a proper process. You cannot act as judge, jury and executioner. The Constitution must be followed,” he said, accusing the BJP of “breaking homes and scattering lives”.

Turning his attack towards the Congress, Owaisi alleged that the party had weakened in Assam due to defections. “If everyone joins the BJP and the RSS, who will speak for minority rights?” he asked.

The AIUDF has fielded candidates in 30 constituencies, and Owaisi expressed confidence that the party could mount a challenge to the BJP if it receives adequate public support.

Owaisi, who arrived in Assam on Wednesday, is scheduled to address multiple rallies across Barpeta, Darrang, Morigaon, Nagaon and Hojai districts as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.

His visit marks an expansion of AIMIM’s eastern outreach following its performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, where the party won five seats, and signals a sharper contest in minority-dominated constituencies in Assam.