Bahraich: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday called for greater political participation and leadership among marginalized communities, asserting that the time has come to move beyond symbolic support and demand a fair share in political power.Addressing a public meeting in Bahraich on Sunday evening, Owaisi urged people to unite ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and strengthen their own political leadership.“The Constitution of India, drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar, guarantees every citizen the right to participate in the democratic process and seek representation,” he said.The AIMIM chief declared that his party was prepared to fight for political empowerment and equality.Referring to opposition politics, he said that if communities were expected merely to support others in the name of defeating the BJP, such an approach would no longer be accepted.“The focus should be on securing participation, representation, and equal rights in the political system,” Owaisi said.Attacking BJP govts, he alleged that certain sections of society disproportionately face actions such as bulldozer demolitions, police encounters, and prolonged imprisonment. He claimed that only members of particular communities often bear the brunt of such measures and innocent youths were being targeted.Speaking on law-and-order issues, Owaisi questioned the use of encounter operations in Uttar Pradesh and cited media reports claiming that thousands of encounters had taken place in the state.He argued that the Constitution did not permit discrimination against any citizen based on religion, caste, or community and stressed the need for equal treatment under the law.The Hyderabad MP said that AIMIM continues to raise its voice against what it considers injustice and discrimination, adding that criticism and allegations against him and his party would not deter them from pursuing their political agenda.Earlier, Owaisi reached Lucknow after a gap of nearly one and a half years where he was welcomed by supporters.Political observers view the visit as significant in the light of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with AIMIM appearing to intensify its outreach efforts in the state.Owaisi’s Bahraich rally is being seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to expand its political presence in Uttar Pradesh and mobilize support ahead of the crucial electoral battle scheduled next year.
