Asaduddin Owaisi defends pro-Palestine oath, cites Mahatma Gandhi amid BJP backlash

Asaduddin Owaisi, president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), stirred a political storm today with his remarks during his oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha. Owaisi, a five-time MP from Hyderabad, expressed solidarity with Palestine and hailed Telangana, while raising slogans associated with his party.

The BJP, represented by Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding over the session, swiftly responded by assuring members that only the oath or affirmation would be officially recorded. This decision came in the wake of strong objections from BJP lawmakers towards Owaisi's additional statements beyond the prescribed oath.

Defending his stance to reporters outside Parliament, Owaisi argued, "Other members are also saying different things. I said 'Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine'. How is it wrong? Tell me the provision of the Constitution." He further invoked Mahatma Gandhi's views on Palestine to support his actions.


Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Owaisi said, "You should also listen to what others said. I said what I had to. Read what Mahatma Gandhi had said about Palestine."


Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje promptly wrote to the Home Minister's office, raising objections and seeking action against Owaisi's speech. She also urged the pro tem Speaker to consider having Owaisi retake his oath, similar to previous incidents involving other MPs.

This incident coincides with ongoing deliberations in the Lok Sabha regarding the selection of the Speaker. The BJP's efforts to achieve consensus on reappointing Om Birla faced opposition from the INDIA bloc, which nominated K Suresh for the position.

India's official stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains consistent with a support for a negotiated two-state solution. This was reaffirmed recently during the Modi government's engagements at international platforms such as the UN, G20, and BRICS.

Mahatma Gandhi's Perspective on Palestine

Historically, Mahatma Gandhi offered insights on the Palestine issue, emphasizing non-violence and justice. In 1938, Gandhi articulated his sympathy towards the Jews and advocated for their rights through peaceful means, akin to the Indian satyagraha in South Africa.

Gandhi's views, published in the weekly magazine Harijan in November 1938, criticized the imposition of Jews on Arabs and advocated for respectful coexistence. He highlighted the moral obligation to treat Jews fairly wherever they reside, emphasizing peaceful dialogue over conflict.

Legal Perspectives on Owaisi's Remarks

BJP leaders, citing Article 102 of the Constitution, raised concerns over Owaisi's statements potentially disqualifying him for demonstrating allegiance to a foreign state, Palestine. This constitutional provision prohibits MPs from maintaining allegiance to foreign entities while holding Indian parliamentary positions.

In response, BJP's IT head Amit Malviya underscored these concerns on social media, prompting discussions on parliamentary rules and adherence to constitutional norms.


Several Palestinians have been facing the brunt of the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.

On June 22, at least 25 people were killed and 50 others were injured in Israeli attacks on tents for displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi, near Rafah, in the south of the coastal enclave, according to the Gaza health ministry, Al Jazeera reported.

(With inputs from TOI)