Owaisi's 'Jai Palestine' slogan during oath sparks storm: Can the Hyderabad MP be disqualified from Lok Sabha?

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi’s slogan “Jai Palestine” during his oath-taking ceremony on Tuesday (June 25) as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha has sparked a significant political storm.

This incident has led to demands from BJP leaders for the five-time MP’s disqualification from Parliament.

During the oath-taking ceremony for the 18th Lok Sabha, Owaisi took his oath in Urdu, recited a prayer, and concluded with the slogans “Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine. Takbeer, Allah-u-Akbar”

Sworn in as member of Lok Sabha for the fifth time. Inshallah I will continue to raise issues of India’s marginalised with sinceritypic.twitter.com/OloVk6D65B

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 25, 2024

This invocation of Palestine, a region facing heightened conflict in West Asia, triggered immediate backlash from the treasury benches. The presiding officer ordered that Owaisi’s remarks be expunged from the official records.

How has the BJP reacted?

BJP leader Amit Malviya, in-charge of the party’s IT department, was quick to respond, suggesting that Owaisi’s actions could lead to his disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

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Malviya referenced Article 102 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines disqualifications for parliamentary membership. He posted on X, “As per extant rules, Asaduddin Owaisi can be disqualified from his Lok Sabha membership, for demonstrating adherence to a foreign State, that is Palestine.”

As per extant rules, Asaduddin Owaisi can be disqualified from his Lok Sabha membership, for demonstrating adherence to a foreign State, that is Palestine.
Please note: @LokSabhaSectt pic.twitter.com/wh7bYbep8p

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 25, 2024

He included a clip of Owaisi’s oath-taking and highlighted the constitutional clause stating disqualification criteria: “if he is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.”

What does Article 102 say?

Article 102 of the Constitution specifies that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament if:

• He holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder;
• He is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
• He is an undischarged insolvent;
• He is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State;
• He is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament.

What has Owaisi said in his defence?

Owaisi, defending his actions outside Parliament, stated, “They are oppressed people,” referring to the Palestinians.

He questioned the basis of the objections and asked, “Other members are also saying different things… How is it wrong? Tell me the provision of the Constitution… You should also listen to what others said. I said what I had to. Read what Mahatma Gandhi had said about Palestine.”

#WATCH | On his words while taking the oath, AIMIM president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, "Everyone is saying a lot of things...I just said "Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine"...How it is against, show the provision in the Constitution..." https://t.co/dirMZIMYtX pic.twitter.com/m6eOGYQDrZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024

Owaisi’s choice of words reflects his long-standing support for Palestine, aligning with the views expressed by historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Despite the controversy, Owaisi maintained that his statements were within his rights as an MP.

How has Kiren Rijiju reacted? 

Kiren Rijiju, who is the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, commented on the situation, indicating that he received numerous complaints about the mention of Palestine.

“We do not have any enmity with Palestine or any other country. The only issue is, while taking the oath, is it proper for any member to raise the slogan praising another country? We will have to check the rules. Some members have come to me and complained about raising the Palestine slogan at the end of the oath,” he stated.

#WATCH | On AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi's words during his oath in the Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "We do not have any enmity with Palestine or any other country. While taking the oath is it proper for any member to raise the slogan praising… pic.twitter.com/ZyYXDl5JRF

— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024

Similarly, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticised Owaisi, questioning his loyalty to India. “Living in India, he cannot say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, but he can hail Palestine. Such people are doing anti-Constitutional work in the name of the Constitution, that should be understood,” Reddy remarked.

Additionally, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has written to the Home Minister’s office objecting to Owaisi’s speech and seeking action. She also requested the pro tem Speaker to ask Owaisi to retake his oath.

Has such an instance occurred before?

This is not the first time an oath-taking ceremony has led to controversy. Earlier this year, AAP’s Swati Maliwal was instructed to retake her oath in the Rajya Sabha after raising a slogan deemed improper.

Owaisi’s continued vocal opposition to the BJP has made him a central voice when clashing with the ruling alliance. Despite criticism, Owaisi has successfully secured his seat in Hyderabad with a significant margin, showcasing his influence and support base.

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As the debate around Asaduddin Owaisi’s “Jai Palestine” slogan during his oath-taking continues, the implications of this incident on his political career and parliamentary proceedings remain to be seen.

With inputs from agencies