Controversy Erupts as AIMIM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Appointed Telangana
Controversy Erupts as AIMIMIntroduction:
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-In a surprising turn of events in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen to boycott the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The cause of this dramatic move lies in the appointment of Akbaruddin Owaisi, a leader from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), as the Protem Speaker for the state assembly. The Protem Speaker plays a crucial role in administering the oath to the newly elected legislators, but the BJP vehemently opposes Owaisi’s appointment, citing his alleged anti-Hindu comments.
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-BJP’s Objection and Boycott:
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-The protest was vocalized by BJP MLA T Raja Singh, who triumphed in the Goshamahal constituency during last month’s assembly elections. Singh, in a video message, declared his refusal to take the oath “as long as he is alive” in front of Akbaruddin Owaisi. Singh raised concerns over Owaisi’s past remarks that he deemed as anti-Hindu, questioning the appropriateness of taking an oath before him. Singh went a step further, asserting that he would only consider taking the oath once a full-term speaker, without affiliations to AIMIM, is appointed.
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-G Kishan Reddy, the state unit chief of the BJP, echoed Singh’s sentiments, emphasizing that the party opposes Owaisi’s appointment due to its deviation from the tradition of appointing senior MLAs as Protem Speakers. Reddy announced that BJP MLAs would boycott taking the oath before Owaisi and emphasized their commitment to only taking the oath after the appointment of a Speaker without AIMIM affiliations. Reddy pledged to take the matter to the Governor, underlining the party’s categorical refusal to align with AIMIM.
Raja Singh’s Previous Stance:
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-This isn’t the first time Raja Singh has taken such a stand. In 2018, he similarly refused to be administered the oath when the Protem Speaker, at that time, belonged to AIMIM. Singh’s consistent opposition to AIMIM’s involvement in the oath administration reflects a deep-rooted ideological disagreement.
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-Allegations Against Telangana Chief Minister:
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-Raja Singh went on to allege that the newly appointed Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy from the Congress party, is apprehensive of AIMIM. Singh drew parallels between Reddy and his predecessor, K Chandrashekar Rao, insinuating that both leaders harbor fear of AIMIM. Singh suggested that Reddy allowed Owaisi to be appointed as the Protem Speaker to placate the minority communities and gain favor with AIMIM leaders.
Controversy Erupts as AIMIM-Protem Speaker Selection Protocol:
According to established protocol, the seniormost MLA in the assembly assumes the role of the Protem Speaker. Akbaruddin Owaisi, having been elected to the assembly for the sixth time from the Chandrayangutta constituency, qualifies for this position based on his seniority. However, Singh contends that there are other senior MLAs who could have been chosen, insinuating that the Chief Minister’s decision was motivated by political considerations.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Akbaruddin Owaisi as the Protem Speaker in Telangana has led to a boycott by the BJP, with senior leaders expressing vehement opposition. The BJP’s stand reflects a larger ideological clash, with concerns over alleged anti-Hindu sentiments and a refusal to align with AIMIM. As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state’s leadership will navigate this contentious situation, with potential implications for future political alliances and governance in Telangana.