Asaduddin Owaisi, the President of All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Hyderabad MP caused a stir in the Lok Sabha by including the slogan “Jai Palestine” while taking his oath. This unprecedented move in the Indian Parliament led to objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs and prompted a statement from Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding over the session, that the slogan would be expunged from the official records.
Owaisi defended his actions, arguing that he had not violated any constitutional provisions and emphasized the plight of Palestinians as oppressed people. His defense cited that other MPs had made various statements during their oaths, suggesting that his was no different.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticized Owaisi’s actions, claiming they were against the rules of the House and pointing out Owaisi’s refusal to say “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Reddy asserted that Owaisi’s actions were unconstitutional. However, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, stated that the rules regarding such remarks would need to be reviewed, as no enmity exists with Palestine.
The relevant legal framework includes Article 102 of the Indian Constitution, which specifies conditions for disqualification of members of Parliament. According to Article 102(1)(d), a member can be disqualified for demonstrating adherence to a foreign state. However, whether Owaisi’s slogan constitutes such adherence is subject to interpretation and would require a decision from the President of India.
Ultimately, the controversy highlights the complexities of parliamentary procedures and the sensitivity surrounding expressions of international solidarity within the legislative context of India.
