Owaisi Says Hijab-Clad Woman Could Become India’s PM, BJP Hits Back

Solapur | January 10, 2026 AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday said that India would one day have a Prime Minister who wears a hijab, asserting that the Constitution guarantees equal opportunity to citizens of all communities. He made the remark while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra’s Solapur ahead of the January 15 civic polls. Drawing a comparison with Pakistan, Owaisi said India’s Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, allows any citizen to occupy the highest constitutional offices irrespective of religion. He expressed confidence that in the future, a hijab-wearing woman would rise to the post of Prime Minister, adding that hatred against Muslims would not endure. The statement triggered a strong response from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP MP Anil Bonde criticised Owaisi’s remarks as “irresponsible” and accused him of presenting a selective narrative. He claimed that many Muslim women oppose the practice of hijab and cited protests in Iran as an example, while also alleging that Owaisi was attempting to polarise voters. During the rally, Owaisi also urged voters not to support candidates backed by the BJP, Shiv Sena or NCP leadership in the civic elections. He accused the ruling alliance of spreading divisive politics and misleading the public, alleging that their governance was driven by hatred rather than constitutional values.