AIMIM president and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi said that Muslims would not leave India under any circumstances as they were Indians “not only by birth but by choice”.
Owaisi’s clarification came against the backdrop of the controversy raked up by the Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s remarks that his wife Kiran Rao had suggested that they should probably leave India because of the atmosphere of ‘intolerance’, which was spelt out in the language used by Assam government a couple of days ago. Asad, an MP from Hyderabad, also made it clear that Muslims would not “succumb” to the kind of politics being purveyed by Sangh Parivar.
Owaisi said “I cannot speak for a film star (Aamir Khan)…I can only speak as a proud Indian Muslim that…I will never succumb…we will not succumb to the dog-whistle politics of Sangh Parivar and fascist organisations and their statements”. He further said “…Come what may, they cannot create fear in our hearts and minds because this is my country. So long as the planet earth survives, Muslims will live in India as proud Indians. And will definitely struggle for our due share and our rightful position. And no one can deny me that because that is what the Constitution has guaranteed me and I will get through democratic ways,” Owaisi here. The Hyderabad MP emphatically asserted that, “Muslims are Indians not only by birth but by choice”.
“A general atmosphere which is being created in the country about issues which have happened and statements emanating from ruling party government ministers, ruling party sister organizations and both Governors of North East who have stated certain things…So, I wanted to give my view that Muslims will not leave the country come what may. Because, we are not only Indians by birth but by choice,” he said. “It will be a great dishonesty and disservice to those freedom fighters who fought for this country. Their dream was Muslims should live as proud Indians and definitely we will continue to live…we are living as proud Indians,” Assad said.
