Owaisi concludes oath with 'Jai Palestine', sparks commotion in Parliament | WATCH

New Delhi: Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), ignited a new controversy on Tuesday by proclaiming “Jai Palestine” upon completing his oath as the Member of Parliament for Hyderabad in the lower house. Asaduddin Owaisi, who was sworn in as a member of the Lok Sabha for the fifth time, later stated in a post on X that he remains committed to raising the issues of India's marginalized communities with sincerity.

Barrister @asadowaisi takes oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha, pledging to serve the nation with dedication and integrity.

بیرسٹر اسدالدین اویسی نے 18ویں لوک سبھا کے رکن کی حیثیت سے حلف لیا۔
ایمانداری اور دیانتداری کے ساتھ ملک و ملّت کی خدمت کرنے کا عہد کیا۔

Barrister… pic.twitter.com/2rroMGsMj4

— AIMIM (@aimim_national) June 25, 2024

Oath disrupted by slogans

During Owaisi's oath-taking, BJP MPs began chanting 'Jai Shri Ram.' Unfazed, Owaisi proceeded to take his oath in Urdu and concluded with "Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine."

Earlier in 2019, Owaisi ended his oath with the words "Jai Bhim, Allah-o-Akbar, and Jai Hind." Owaisi secured his position by defeating BJP candidate Madhavi Latha in the Hyderabad constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Owaisi's remark sparks controversy

The unexpected inclusion of "Jai Palestine" by Asaduddin Owaisi during his oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha immediately drew objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs, including Shobha Karandlaje. Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding over the swearing-in ceremony, quickly announced that the controversial slogan would be expunged from the official records. Despite these assurances, the BJP MPs continued their protest for a brief period.

Owaisi defends his choice of words

In response to the uproar, Owaisi staunchly defended his choice of words, questioning the objections raised by BJP members. "Other members are making various statements as well... I said 'Jai Bheem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine.' What's wrong with that? Show me the constitutional provision I violated. You should also pay attention to what others are saying. I spoke my mind. Look up what Mahatma Gandhi said about Palestine," Owaisi remarked.

Absolutely wrong: G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticized Owaisi's actions, stating, "He is swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution while simultaneously making statements that contradict it. This reveals Owaisi's true intentions. They consistently challenge the nation and its constitutional values."