Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, accusing him of promoting a “jihadi mindset” in the context of the ongoing debate over ‘love jihad’. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Singh argued that Owaisi’s demand for the Centre to present data on love jihad should first be addressed in Hyderabad, where AIMIM wields political influence.

Singh claimed that the issue of love jihad was not limited to personal relationships but formed part of a “well-hatched strategy” aimed at broader societal influence. “This is not love jihad in the name of love. It is a planned Ghazwa-e-Hind—love jihad, land jihad, spitting jihad. It is a series of jihads,” he asserted, linking it to what he described as divisive ideology.

The Union Minister further attacked Owaisi’s political approach, stating that if the “ghost of Jinnah” has entered anyone in India, it will not succeed. He reiterated that no force would be allowed to divide the country again, warning that India would resist conspiracies aimed at partition or societal discord.

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Owaisi, meanwhile, has challenged the government to provide concrete evidence of love jihad cases in Parliament, arguing that adult consent should not be politicised. Speaking in Amravati, he questioned the definition of love jihad and accused the government of diverting attention from pressing issues like employment.

Singh also responded to claims by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, who alleged attempts to alter the Constitution. Rejecting the accusations, Singh said the government’s aim is to “make India truly India,” while Madani seeks to impose Sharia law, according to the minister.

Madani, however, maintained that spreading communal hatred threatens India’s secular framework. He warned that politics driven by religious animosity undermines constitutional values and peace, stating, “Those who spread hatred in the name of religion can never represent religion.” The exchange highlights intensifying political rhetoric on identity, religion, and constitutional principles ahead of upcoming national debates.

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