All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on January 10, 2026, expressed his aspiration for greater representation of Muslim women in India's highest political office. Speaking at a public event in Hyderabad, Owaisi stated, "It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country." He linked this vision to the secular and inclusive principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, particularly crediting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for drafting a document that guarantees equality and justice for all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, or attire.

Owaisi's remarks come amid ongoing national debates on religious symbols, personal freedoms, and women's empowerment in public life. He emphasized that the Constitution protects the right of individuals to practice their faith while participating fully in democratic processes. The AIMIM leader framed his statement as a call for breaking barriers faced by Muslim women, who he said often encounter discrimination in both social and political spheres. He highlighted the need for progressive representation that reflects India's diversity, invoking Ambedkar's legacy as the architect of a constitution designed to uplift marginalized communities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded swiftly to Owaisi's comments, with several party leaders and social media handles suggesting a "starting point" for the AIMIM chief. Prominent BJP figures pointed out that Owaisi could begin by fielding a hijab-wearing woman candidate from his own party in upcoming elections, particularly from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat he has held for multiple terms. Some BJP spokespersons described the statement as "hypocritical," questioning why the AIMIM, which positions itself as a champion of minority rights, has not yet promoted women in significant leadership roles within its own ranks.

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The exchange has sparked polarized reactions online and in political circles. Supporters of Owaisi praised the statement as an inspiring vision for inclusivity and gender justice, while critics accused him of using identity politics for electoral gains. The controversy highlights the intersection of religion, gender, and politics in contemporary India, especially as the country approaches key electoral cycles where representation and symbolism often dominate discourse.

Owaisi's invocation of Dr. Ambedkar and the Constitution underscores a broader narrative of constitutional morality and equality. As debates continue, the remark serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about how India's diverse population can achieve fuller participation in its democratic institutions, from local governance to the highest offices of the land.

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