If you want to keep secularism alive, then Muslims should vote for Muslims: Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said that if they wish to keep secularism alive and strengthen democracy, then Muslims should vote for Muslims.

Owaisi was speaking in Hapur in UP, where a Muslim man — Qasim, 38 — was recently lynched and another — Shamiuddin, 65 — thrashed, allegedly over rumours of cows being slaughtered.

“Qasim's death will make us think. But I am not asking you to shed tears. I beckon your conscience to rise. These people talking about secularism are the biggest dacoits ... biggest opportunists. They used Muslims for 70 years, threatened us, forced us to keep quiet,” Owaisi said on Sunday.

“Now you need to fight for your rights. If you want secularism to stay alive, then fight for yourself. Become a political force to reckon with. Make sure your (Muslim) contenders win,” Owaisi added.

Owaisi went on to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “It is happening under your rule…is this your idea of sabka saath, sabka vikas?”

Owaisi also blamed UP Police saying they were "not only complicit but also aiding the scary atmosphere".

Earlier on Saturday, speaking in Telangana on the lynching in Hapur, Owaisi said that there is no dignity of life in the atmosphere created by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

And on Friday he said on Twitter: "Rwanda is coming ? Bloody shameful I hope the "Political Maulanas “ of “Secular Political” parties wake up & stop preaching about ideas which are finished. This is (New) INDIA HasbunAllah Wa Namal Wakeel ,Indian Muslims this is the Time to fight back and SAVE INDIA ".