Asaduddin Salahuddin Owaisi (born 13 May 1969) is an Indian politician, who is
the President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).[2] He is a five
time Member of Parliament representing the Hyderabad constituency in Lok Sabha,
the lower house of the Indian Parliament. For years, he has been regularly listed
by Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), among the 500 Most Influential
Muslims of the world.[3][4]
Early life and background
Owaisi was born to Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi and Najmunnisa Begum[5] on 13 May
1969. He comes from a political family of Hyderabad.[6] His grandfather Abdul Wahed
Owaisi relaunched the political party Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen as All India Majlis-
e-Ittehadul Muslimeen 18 September 1957. He also succeeded Qasim Razvi as the
party president after he was released from prison.[7] His father Sultan Salahuddin was
elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1962.[8] Sultan Salahuddin
Owaisi was elected to the Indian Parliament from the Hyderabad constituency for the
first time in 1984 and continued winning the elections till 2004, when he stepped
down in favour of Asaduddin. He died in 2008.[9]
Owaisi did his schooling from The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.[10] He then
attended the St Mary's Junior College, Hyderabad[11][12] before going on to do his
graduation in Bachelor of Arts from Nizam College (Osmania University) in
Hyderabad.[13][14] He represented the South Zone inter-university U-25s cricket
team as fast bowler in the Vizzy Trophy in 1994 and later got selected in South Zone
university team. He is a barrister by profession and studied at Lincoln's
Inn in London.[15] His brother Akbaruddin Owaisi is a Member of Telangana
Legislative Assembly and heads the party in it.[16] His youngest brother Burhanuddin
Owaisi is the editor of Etemaad.[17]
Personal life
Owaisi married Farheen Owaisi on 11 December 1996.[18] The couple has six children
which includes five daughters- Khudsia Owaisi, Yasmeen Owaisi, Ameena Owaisi,
Maheen Owaisi and Atika Owaisi[19][20][21] and one son, Sultanuddin Owaisi (born 2010).
His mother is Nazima Begum.[22] He lives in Shastripuram, Mailardevpally,
Hyderabad.[23][24] His eldest daughter Khudsia Owaisi was engaged to Barkat Alam
Khan, grandson of Nawab Shah Alam Khan (paternal) and Moinuddin Khan
Sandozai (maternal) on 24 March 2018.[25][26][27] His second daughter, Yasmeen Owaisi
was married to Abid Ali Khan, son of physician Mazharuddin Ali Khan, cousin
of Zahid Ali Khan, editor of The Siasat Daily, in September 2020.[28] His third daughter
Ameena Owaisi was married to Fahad Beg on 22 December 2022.[29] He is hailed by
his supporters as Naqeeb-e-Millat (Leader of the Community).[13] He is fluent
in Urdu / Hindi and English. He wears a long sherwani, an Islamic cap and sports a
clipped beard.[20]
Political career
Asaduddin is the third national president of the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul
Muslimeen (AIMIM) party in India, previously his father and grandfather. AIMIM is
a minority party that will raise its voice on the issues of the Dalit tribal community of
India minority provisions.[citation needed]
Asaduddin made his political debut in 1994 in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative
Assembly election. Contesting from the Charminar constituency which his party has
been winning since 1967, he defeated his nearest rival a breakaway party Majlis
Bachao Tehreek's candidate by a margin of 40 thousand votes. He succeeded
Virasat Rasool Khan as the elected representative from the constituency. In the 1999
election, he defeated his nearest rival Telugu Desam Party candidate Syed Shah
Noorul Haq Quadri by 93 thousand votes. Owaisi was polled 126 thousand votes in
the election. In 2004 election, he was succeeded by Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri as
the member of the Assembly from the constituency.[30][31]
In 2004, Owaisi's father Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi who had been representing
the Hyderabad constituency in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament)
refused to contest further citing poor health. The constituency has 70% Muslim
population.[32] He was polled 38% votes compared to his nearest rival Subhas
Chanderji's 28%.[33]
In 2008, the Left Front (which consisted of Communist Parties) withdrew their
support to the central government of India which was led by the United Progressive
Alliance. This was done in response to Indo-US nuclear deal signed by Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and US President George W. Bush which allowed India to
keep nuclear bombs but in return had to allow international inspection. The
Communist parties felt that by this deal, India would become a pawn of the United
States. Due to the Left Front withdrawing support, a vote of confidence was held in
Indian Parliament.[34] When Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati said that Muslims
of India opposed the deal, Owaisi said that it was an attempt to give a communal
angle to the deal. Owaisi announced his support for the United Progressive Alliance
in the vote of confidence. He said that his top priority was to prevent the opposition
right wing Bharatiya Janata Party to ascend to power and to prevent Lal Krishna
Advani from becoming the country's Prime Minister.[35] He further stated:
We will express our reservations on the foreign policy impact but at no cost would we
like to see the BJP coming in to power, at no cost we would like to see Mr Advani,
who is an accused in Babri Masjid demolition case becoming the prime minister of
this great nation, thereby destroying the future of Muslims and weakening the
secularism.[35]
In the 2009 Indian general election, Zahid Ali Khan, the editor-in-chief of an Urdu
daily The Siasat Daily was pitted against Owaisi. He was supported by rival Telugu
Desam Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Communist Party of India, Communist
Party of India (Marxist).[36] Hindustan Times wrote that the AIMIM party faced "tough
challenge" in the Hyderabad constituency.[37] However, Owaisi emerged victorious
and defeated Ali Khan by a margin by 110 thousand votes. He increased the winning
margin by 10 thousand votes as compared to 2004 election.[38]
Owaisi was awarded the 2014 Sansad Ratna award (Gem of parliamentarians)
October 2013 for his performance in the 15th session of Indian parliament. During
this period, he asked 1080 questions in the Parliament compared to the national
average of 292. His attendance is at 70%. [citation needed]
The Milli Gazette wrote that he "has gained wide respect nationally among Indian
Muslims for his bold speeches in Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament)". He
took up issues in the Parliament which pertained to the interests of the minority
community. Also when he raised the issue of waqf properties in the parliament, the
then Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh confessed that it was a fault of his
ministry in not recognising waqf as a serious matter.[39][40][41]
In April 2014, Owaisi filed his nomination for the Hyderabad constituency in the 2014
general election. He declared movable assets worth 2.7 million rupees (around
$42,000) and immovable assets worth 30 million rupees (around $463,000).[42] He
was elected from the constituency once again by defeating his nearest
rival Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhagvanth Rao by a margin of 197 thousand votes.[43]
Owaisi announced that his party AIMIM would contest the 2015 Bihar Legislative
Assembly election from mainly from the Muslim dominated area
of Seemanchal region of the state. News18 India wrote that the party candidates
would divide votes and the voters suspected him of being an agent of the Hindu
nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.[44] He said that he was realistic about their
chances of winning. He also said that the Seemanchal region was underdeveloped
and he blamed Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Indian National Congress party
and Bharatiya Janata Party for it. He said that his aim was to pressurise the
government to create a regional developmental council for the region.[45] Although the
party contested from six constituencies of Seemanchal region, it failed to win any
seat.[46]
Owaisi, who filed his nomination for Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency for 4th time
declared assets worth over Rs 13 crore but claims to own no vehicle.[47]
Awards and recognition
Sansad Ratna Awardees 2014
Asaduddin, was honored with the Sansad Ratna Award in 2014.[48] In 2014, he was
among the three new entrants to receive this prestigious award. Owaisi, along with
the other awardees, was invited to Chennai for the award ceremony. His consistent
involvement in debates and his active participation in raising important questions
have distinguished him as a leading figure among Muslim MPs. This recognition
further underscores Owaisi's dedication to effective parliamentary representation. [49]
Lokmat Parliamentary Award 2022
Asaduddin, the Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president, was honored with the
prestigious 'Best Parliamentarian of 2022 - Lok Sabha' award. The award was
presented by former President Ram Nath Kovind during the Lokmat Parliamentary
Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on 14 March 2023.[50] he has previously been
honored with the same distinction in 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2021.[51] [52][53] This
consistent recognition underscores Owaisi's exceptional contributions and sustained
dedication to his role as a parliamentarian. His continued success reaffirms his
commitment to serving the people and making a significant impact within the
legislative sphere. This recognition highlights Owaisi's outstanding contributions and
exemplary performance as a parliamentarian.[54][55]
Work
On 30 September 2023 Owaisi inaugurated Rs.170,000,000 for development work
in Yakutpura Constituency.[56][57][58]
Political views
Several commentators liken Owaisi to Jinnah, though Owaisi has
opposed Jinnah's Two-nation theory every time. According to Patrick French, Owaisi
appeals to "non-sectarian Muslim identity", though not to the Muslim faith, in a way
similar to Jinnah's bid to be the sole spokesman of the Muslim community.[20] His
brand of Islamism with nationalism thrives in Hyderabad Old City.
Owaisi dismisses the comparison with Jinnah citing the fact that his fight is within the
framework of the Indian constitution. He says that the secular parties of India have
not been able to transfer their votes to Muslim candidates. Of the 23 Muslim MPs
elected in 2014, 18 or 19 were from constituencies with 30% Muslim voters. While
the parties claim not to discriminate against Muslims, they in practice leave the
Muslims in a "ghettoized position". Hence, Muslims must develop their own political
force, similar to OBCs, Dalits and Yadavs.[20]
In the aftermath of 2008 Mumbai attacks, Owaisi demanded action against Zakiur
Rehman Lakhvi and Hafiz Saeed for killing innocent people. He said that the
enemies of the country were enemies of Muslims.[59]
Owaisi supports reservation for backward Muslims in government jobs and education
institutes. He also maintains stand that he is against Hindutva ideology but not
against Hindus.[60]
Owaisi argues for the abolition of the Haj subsidy given to the Indian Muslims for
travelling to Mecca on religious pilgrimage and utilising the money for the education
of Muslim women instead.[61]
In July 2016, Owaisi was praised for his speech in which stated that the Islamic State
of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is a problem among Muslims and called them dogs of
hell.[62][63][64] Owaisi said in his speech, which was delivered after 2016 Saudi Arabia
bombings to monitor what is being said from some mosques, what and who is
injecting radical venom.[65]
In August 2016, Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his displeasure at the centre for
inclusion of the Ahmadiyya community as a sect of Islam in 2011 Census of India, in
a series of tweets.[66][67][68][69]
In April 2017, on the issue of ban on cow slaughter, Owaisi criticised BJP for being
hypocritical in treating cow as holy in Uttar Pradesh and North Indian states, but un-
holy in the Northeast, Goa and Kerala."[70][71][72]
Owaisi said that Muslim men divorcing their wife through instant triple talaq without
reasons, must be socially boycotted, but said that the practice still exists.[73] In
December 2018, Owaisi told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to learn inclusive
politics of India, when Pakistan can't even have a non-Muslim President.[74]
After BJP's massive victory in 2019 Indian general election, Owaisi said
the EVMs are not rigged, instead Hindu minds have been rigged.[75] In June 2019,
Owaisi said that Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency) due to
40% Muslim population.[76]
On 17 November 2021 Owaisi filed a complaint against former chairman of the Shia
Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh, Syed Waseem Rizvi over a book written by the
latter that he said had objectionable statements on Muhammad.[77]
Controversies
Owaisi has been in controversies and news due to his politics primarily centered
around minorities.[78][79][80]
Owaisi's political opponents in the BJP have linked the leader with a proliferation of
terrorist activity in Hyderabad. In 2019, India's Minister of State for Home Affairs G.
Kishan Reddy said that most of the country's terrorist incidents can be traced back to
Hyderabad.[81] In 2016, Owaisi was arrested for sedition after providing legal aid to
five members of a so-called Islamic State terrorist cell. The complaint, filed to the
Eleventh Metropolitan Magistrate court accused Owaisi of, "directly or indirectly
helping the ISIS".[82] BJP MLA for the Goshamahal assembly constituency in
Hyderabad T. Raja Singh also stated that as per the Haren Pandya case of Gujarat,
the accused were from Hyderabad consistency and 12 ISIS terrorists have also been
caught from his (Owaisi's) constituency; Singh also accused Owaisi of financially
supporting terrorists in the region.[83]
Owaisi filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the former politician turned
writer Syed Waseem Rizvi for allegedly offending Muslim religious sentiments
following the publication of Rizvi's book, Muhammad.[84] Owaisi said "The book,
written in Hindi, vilifies Prophet Mohammed and uses objectionable language against
the Prophet, the religion of Islam and its followers."[85] Rizvi responded by stating that
his book was based on "hidden facts" and that Owaisi should have read the text
before reacting to it. In the same statement Rizvi accused Owaisi
of radicalising Muslim youths saying, "Through his party, Owaisi is trying to mislead
Muslim youths and pushing them further towards terrorism. He is hatching a
conspiracy against the non-Muslim community and is planning a bloodshed".
[84]
Following Owaisi's complaint, some members of the Muslim community in
Telangana, Hyderabad hung and burned an effigy of Waseem in protest.[86]
In 2013, he reiterated this threat, stating "Why do they hate Akbaruddin Owaisi?
They haven't yet recovered from the '15 minute' blow yet".[87]
In March 2016, while addressing a public rally in Maharashtra, Owaisi said that he
would never say the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Hail mother India) in response
to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comment that the new generation needs to be taught
to chant slogans hailing mother India; the comment was a reference to the 2016 JNU
sedition controversy.[88][89][90] Owaisi said, "Whom is he (Bhagwat) trying to frighten? He
can't force his ideology on others. Nowhere in the Constitution it says that one
should say: 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'."[91][92][93] Later he clarified that he had no issues with
slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', but he had objection to RSS forcing people to chant the
slogan as a test of patriotism.[94]
Legal issues and assault case
Owaisi, along with his younger brother Akbaruddin, was booked for charges related
to manhandling the Medak district collector in 2005.[95][96] On 20 January 2013, he was
remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, and later shifted to Sangareddy jail. The
case related to an MIM protest on 16 April 2005 against the demolition of a mosque
for a road-widening project in Medak district; police booked him under various
charges including criminal intimidation, rioting, and promoting enmity between
religious groups.[97]
In 2009, a case was registered against Owaisi on the order of Election Commission
of India for chasing and beating up Syed Saleemuddin, a polling agent of the Telugu
Desam Party (TDP) in the Moghalpura area.[98][99] In March 2013, he was detained for
organising a rally without permission and carrying a gun without a licence in Bidar,
Karnataka.[100] In June 2014, Owaisi is said to have delivered hate speech
against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in seeking the Muslim community's support for
his party.[101][102] In January 2015, Owaisi said that every child in the world is born as a
Muslim, and his parents and society convert him to other religions. He also said
Islam is the real home of all religions.[103][104]
On 7 February 2016, Owaisi surrendered before Hyderabad police and was later
granted bail[105] for an assault by a mob that he allegedly led, carried out against
Telangana Indian National Congress legislators. His close aide and AIMIM Party
social media head, Syed Abdahu Kashaf, assaulted the congress MLC and leader of
the opposition Shabbir Ali.[106]
Positions held
# From To Position Party
1. 1994 1999 MLA (1st term) from Charminar AIMIM
2. 1999 2003 MLA (2nd term) from Charminar AIMIM
3. 2004 2009 MP (1st term) in 14th Lok Sabha from Hyderabad AIMIM
MP (2nd term) in 15th Lok
4. 2009 2014 AIMIM
Sabha from Hyderabad
MP (3rd term) in 16th Lok
5. 2014 2019 AIMIM
Sabha from Hyderabad
6. 2019 2024 MP (4th term) in 17th Lok AIMIM
# From To Position Party
Sabha from Hyderabad
MP (5th term) in 18th Lok
6. 2024 Present AIMIM
Sabha from Hyderabad
Other work
Owaisi is the Chairman of Hyderabad-based Deccan College of Engineering and
Technology, the Owaisi Hospital and Research Centre whose origin dates back
to late Alhaj Moulana Abdul Wahed Owaisi. The hospital functions in the field of
Medical Education, Research and Medical care. Research programs at the hospitals
are being carried out in collaboration with National and International research
Agencies.[107]
In popular culture
In the mock court television talk show, Aap Ki Adalat on India TV, Owaisi was 'tried'
and answered questions on his politics, controversies, and statements put forward
by the host Rajat Sharma before the 2014 elections.[108] He has also appeared in
stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's online chat show Shut Up Ya Kunal's ninth
episode in an informal talk about his political positions.
