As the political landscape heats up with the fourth phase of elections approaching, parties engage in verbal skirmishes. In this atmosphere, a verbal clash ignited between BJP leader Navneet Rana and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Owaisi spoke of his younger brother's fiery temperament, stating, 'I've been holding him back, otherwise he's truly the son of the 'Sardar' - it takes great effort to temper him.' Discover the history of Hyderabad's revered 'Sardar.'
Navneet Rana's Provocative StatementSupporting Hyderabad's BJP candidate Madhavi Lata, Navneet Rana launched an attack on both the Owaisi brothers without naming names. She had said, 'The younger one claims - give us 15 minutes without the police, then we'll show what we can do. I want to tell the younger Mr. Owaisi that it may take you 15 minutes, but it will barely take us 15 seconds. If the police are removed for 15 seconds, both young and old won't realize where they came from and where they disappeared.' Rana shared a video of this statement, tagging it from her handle to the Owaisi brothers.
In response, Owaisi utilized the term 'Sardar's son.' He asserted, 'I've reasoned with the youngster, and I'm holding him back, should I let him go? What do you know about him? My younger brother is a force to be reckoned with, he is indeed the son of the 'Sardar.' It takes effort to calm him down, but I've managed.'
Source: aajtak
The Legacy of the Owaisi Patriarch, Known as 'Sardar'
The Owaisi brothers' father, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, bore the title 'Sardar-e-Millat.' Born in the 1930s into one of Hyderabad's most esteemed families, Salahuddin's father Abdul Wahid Owaisi was the then president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Following his father's passing, Salahuddin took the reins of Majlis. His popularity skyrocketed within a short period, earning him the moniker 'Sardar-e-Millat,' translating to the people's commander or public leader.
So esteemed was Owaisi among the masses that his word held substantial sway over the Muslim vote bank in Andhra Pradesh, and he emerged as a robust political figure in Hyderabad's landscape.
Owaisi Advocated Against Muslim Neglect by the State
Owaisi, often addressed simply as 'Sardar' in everyday parlance, was sometimes accused of favoring a particular community. He frequently voiced concerns that the state had abandoned Muslims to their fate, actively working for the community's upliftment in old Hyderabad areas.
Source: aajtak
From Rajakar's Party to Heading Their Own Political Faction
A controversial accusation was made that the Owaisi family, at one point, rebranded and propelled forward an organization with a history of oppression. It's noteworthy that Salahuddin's father, Abdul Wahid, renamed the notorious 'Rajakars' party Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen as All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and transformed it from a religious congregation into a political party. Since the 50s, the Owaisi family has led this party.
Spotlight on the Younger Owaisi, Akbaruddin
Before we conclude, let's also glance at Asaduddin Owaisi's younger brother, Akbaruddin. His relationship with their father wasn't particularly strong. According to a report by The Times of India, Akbaruddin left his medical studies midway against his father's wishes and wed a Christian woman. However, when the father fell ill, Akbaruddin returned, and they reconciled. His wife converted to Islam, and Akbaruddin entered the political arena.
Akbaruddin often finds himself in controversies for his on-the-nose remarks, especially those related to religion. Notably, he strongly opposed the entry of author Taslima Nasreen, known for her critiques of Islam, into India. He has also made incendiary comments against then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
