Addressing a rally in Dharavi, Mumbai, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan made a significant statement concerning the mayoral post. He responded to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's claim that only a Hindu Maratha should become Mumbai's mayor.
Waris Pathan expressed his vision of seeing a Muslim woman, who wears a hijab and recites the Kalma, ascend to the position of Mumbai's mayor. He questioned why a Muslim woman could not become a mayor when a Muslim can be the President, Chief Justice, Governor, and Chief Minister.
Highlighting constitutional equality and justice, Waris Pathan challenged CM Fadnavis on how he could make such divisive remarks after swearing by the constitution. He also questioned the silence of Congress and Uddhav Thackeray on this issue.
Reference to Constitution and Equality
In his rally speech, Waris Pathan emphasized, "The Indian Constitution grants everyone the right to equality. Where does it say that only a person from a particular community can become mayor?"
He further stressed that in a democracy, anyone from the Sheikh, Pathan, or Qureshi communities can reach this position. He sarcastically remarked that if leaders of the Shinde faction insist that someone chanting 'I Love Mahadev' will become the mayor, why can't a woman who recites the Kalma become one?
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Raised Questions on Opposition's Silence
Waris Pathan not only took a dig at the BJP but also targeted Congress and Uddhav Thackeray. He criticized Congress for considering Muslim votes as their right yet staying silent on this issue. He urged people to question those who seek their votes but remain quiet on divisive politics. According to Waris Pathan, while the BJP may have issues with Muslims' food and dress, opposition parties' silence is concerning.
