Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad Muslimeen (AIMIM), launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led central government on Saturday night, criticizing its decision to allow the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai on Sunday. Speaking at a public meeting in Hyderabad, Owaisi questioned whether the lives of 26 people killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack were worth less than the revenue generated from the high-profile match, which he claimed could earn the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore.
“Is the value of our 26 citizens’ lives greater, or is it the money from one cricket match? The BJP must answer this,” Owaisi demanded, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier statement that “water and blood cannot flow together” and that “terror and talks aren’t possible.” He accused the BJP of hypocrisy, alleging that the party, which champions ‘Desh Bhakti’ (patriotism), changes its stance when it comes to lucrative cricket matches. “The BJP gets stumped when it’s about cricket,” he quipped, drawing applause from the crowd.
The India-Pakistan match marks the first cricketing encounter between the two nations since a military conflict in May, when India conducted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of mostly tourists. Owaisi emphasized AIMIM’s solidarity with the victims’ families, asserting that the match should not proceed. “If we can stop water through the Indus Water Treaty, why are we playing cricket? What is the price of those 26 lives? The BJP and RSS see only money, not the lives lost,” he alleged, accusing the ruling party of prioritizing financial gains over national sentiment.
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Owaisi also criticized the BJP for altering the NCERT syllabus to shift blame for India’s partition onto Muslims. “Muslims are not responsible for the partition. It was Savarkar who first spoke of ‘two communities’ and sowed the seeds of division. Mountbatten and the Congress government of the time bear the responsibility,” he said, pointing out that the syllabus omits key details, such as the reasons behind Nathuram Godse’s assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He urged a reevaluation of the curriculum to reflect historical accuracy.
Turning to international issues, Owaisi called on the Indian government, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, to take a stronger stand against the alleged “genocide” in Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid for those facing hunger. “If Muslims in Gaza are wiped out, other Muslim nations will face attacks. We’ve seen strikes in Doha, Yemen, Iran, and Syria,” he claimed, referencing actions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Owaisi also addressed domestic concerns, alleging that Muslims in India are increasingly targeted. “Our houses are demolished, our children are killed, and bulldozers are used against us,” he said, highlighting incidents of alleged discrimination. The AIMIM chief’s fiery speech resonated with the audience, sparking discussions about nationalism, foreign policy, and the role of sports in diplomacy.
As the India-Pakistan match approaches, Owaisi’s remarks have intensified the debate over whether cricket should take precedence amid unresolved tensions. His critique places pressure on the BJP to address public sentiment, especially in light of the Pahalgam tragedy, and could influence how such decisions are perceived in the lead-up to future elections.
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