Owaisi Criticises Modi, Rahul as ‘Chowkidar’, ‘Dukandar’, alleges double standards on minority rights

New Delhi, August 20, 2023: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, labeling them as ‘chowkidar’ (watchman) and ‘dukandar’ (shopkeeper), respectively. Speaking at the Aaj Tak G20 summit, Owaisi accused both leaders of deceiving the public while addressing minority rights issues.

Owaisi denounced their silence on crimes against Muslims and Christians, saying, “Be it dukandar or chowkidar, they both go silent when crimes against Muslims and Christians are committed.” He also highlighted the Congress party’s support for the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) amendment brought by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Referring to Congress’s claim of “mohabbat ki dukan” (shop of love) during the Bharat Jodo Yatra campaign, Owaisi pointed out their “hypocrisy.” He criticized the party for contradictory statements, mentioning former Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s assertion that India is already a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation).

Owaisi further alleged a political alliance between the ‘dukandar’ and ‘chowkidar’ and stressed the need for an alternative to Modi and Gandhi in politics. He highlighted the vulnerability of Dalits, Muslims, and tribals in the country.

Regarding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Owaisi expressed his commitment to fighting independently, emphasizing the need for a third political option beyond the established leaders. He critiqued PM Modi’s recent speech in a no-confidence motion debate, describing it as repetitive, and claimed to have witnessed BJP MPs sleeping during the speech.

Owaisi’s stance aligns with his party’s determination to contest the upcoming elections autonomously. This stance contrasts with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), a coalition of non-BJP parties aimed at challenging the ruling BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.