Owaisi’s ‘Jai Palestine’ Slogan Sparks Controversy: Potential Disqualification and Legal Implications Explained
Controversy Erupts as Asaduddin Owaisi Ends Oath with ‘Jai Palestine’
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi stirred controversy on Tuesday during his oath-taking as a Member of Parliament for Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha. His concluding slogan, ‘Jai Palestine,’ has sparked debates and reactions across political circles.
The backdrop of the Incident
After affirming his allegiance to Telangana and paying homage to BR Ambedkar, Owaisi, elected for the fifth time from Hyderabad, he raised the slogan ‘Jai Palestine’ in Urdu. This gesture immediately drew attention and criticism, raising concerns about its implications.
Reactions from BJP Leaders
Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders voiced objections, citing potential grounds for Owaisi’s disqualification from Parliament for showing allegiance to a foreign state. Following these objections, the slogan was expunged from the Lok Sabha records.
Legal Perspectives and Article 102
Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, indicated receiving complaints and stated that the rules regarding such actions during oath-taking would be reviewed. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya referenced Article 102 of the Constitution, suggesting that Owaisi’s act could lead to disqualification due to allegiance demonstrated to a foreign state.
As per extant rules, Asaduddin Owaisi can be disqualified from his Lok Sabha membership, for demonstrating adherence to a foreign State, that is Palestine.
Please note: @LokSabhaSectt pic.twitter.com/wh7bYbep8p— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 25, 2024
Owaisi’s Defense and Explanation
In response to the controversy, Asaduddin Owaisi defended his action outside Parliament, arguing that mentioning Palestine was not inappropriate and citing Mahatma Gandhi’s views on the issue. He emphasized solidarity with oppressed people as his motivation.
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Understanding Article 102 and Disqualification
Article 102 outlines the grounds for disqualification as a member of Parliament, including adherence or allegiance to a foreign state, which has become a focal point of the debate surrounding Owaisi’s oath-taking gesture.
India’s Stance on Palestine
India traditionally supports a two-state solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has recently increased financial aid to Palestinian refugee welfare agencies, reflecting its diplomatic stance on the issue.
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