Owaisi sparked debate by saying that India could one day see a woman in a hijab become Prime Minister. His remark quickly drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which called it ‘irresponsible.

At a gathering in Mumbai on January 10, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi painted a hopeful picture of India’s future. He said he believes that one day, a woman wearing a hijab could rise to become the country’s Prime Minister — a possibility made real by the Indian Constitution, which gives equal rights to people of all communities. Owaisi contrasted this with Pakistan, where only members of one religion can hold the highest offices, underscoring India’s more inclusive vision.

Owaisi’s words quickly set off a storm in political circles. The BJP hit back, calling his statement ‘irresponsible’ and accusing him of telling only half the story. They argued that many Muslim women themselves oppose the hijab, and said his remark ignored that reality."

At an election rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, just days before the January 15 civic polls, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi spoke about the spirit of India’s Constitution. He contrasted it with Pakistan’s, which restricts top posts like Prime Minister and President to people of one religion. In India, he reminded the crowd, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution opened the doors of leadership to every citizen — making it possible for anyone, regardless of faith, to become a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or even a Mayor

"AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking with hope for the future, said that one day — even if he and the current generation are no longer around — India could see a daughter in a hijab rise to the nation’s highest office as Prime Minister, by the grace of the Almighty."

Expressing optimism, Owaisi said he was certain that a better day would arrive. He added that the hostility being directed at Muslims would not endure, taking aim at the ruling party in his remarks."

Reacting to Owaisi’s words, BJP MP Anil Bonde pushed back strongly. He accused the AIMIM leader of making ‘irresponsible’ remarks and claimed Owaisi was only telling half the story.

He insisted that many Muslim women don’t support wearing the hijab, saying no one wants to feel controlled or subjugated. Pointing to the protests in Iran, he highlighted how women there are bravely standing up against the practice. Turning to India, he alleged that the country is facing a growing demographic imbalance and urged Hindus to unite in response."

During his rally speech, Owaisi urged the local voters to stay away from candidates put forward or supported by the parties of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar (NCP).

Speaking about the buzz around who will be Mumbai’s next mayor, Owaisi pointed out that the BJP has been insisting the city’s first citizen must be both Marathi and Hindu. He remarked that such debates seem to surface only when elections are around the corner.

Owaisi accused Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar of misleading the public, and urged voters to deliver a strong response at the ballot box. Declaring defiance, he added, ‘We will not fall prey to your conspiracy.

Owaisi went on to accuse the ruling parties of straying from the principles of the Constitution. He alleged that their governance was built on hatred, and said their claims of supporting minorities and Dalits were hollow. He also criticized them for failing to address the concerns of farmers.