Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi has sparked controversy by stating that he dreams of the day when a woman wearing a hijab becomes the Prime Minister of India. Addressing a rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, Owaisi said that the Constitution of India, drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, grants the right to anyone, regardless of their background or faith, to hold the highest offices in the country, including Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Mayor.
Owaisi’s statement has been met with criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the party’s leaders questioning his commitment to empowering Muslim women within his own party. BJP spokespersons responded by saying that Owaisi should first appoint a Muslim woman as the President of his party before advocating for a hijab-wearing woman as Prime Minister.
In response, Owaisi said that if the Chief Justice of India, who had been assaulted by a man named Rakesh Kumar, were named Rakesh instead of Asad, the police would have acted differently. The BJP countered by saying that while the Constitution does not bar anyone from holding public office, Owaisi should provide a practical example of a hijab-wearing woman in a leadership position.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has stated that while the Constitution does not restrict anyone from holding public office, India is a Hindu-dominated country, and a Hindu will likely become the next Prime Minister. Shaina NC, a leader of the Shiv Sena party, has also weighed in, saying that there is no vacancy for the Prime Minister’s position at present and that leadership should be based on merit rather than faith.
Owaisi has also used the occasion to criticize those who spread hate speech against Muslims, saying that hate will eventually give way to love. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has expressed concern about the situation in Iran, warning that those who incite violence may not be able to escape the flames.
In other news, Iranian authorities have confirmed that 65 people have been killed in the ongoing protests in Iran, including 15 security personnel. US President Donald Trump has stated that the US is ready to provide support to Iranian protesters, saying that Iran is moving towards freedom.
In the US, a young entrepreneur named Toan Le has made headlines by starting a video production company with a revenue of $1.4 million, despite having no formal education or business experience. The company, which specializes in YouTube video editing, was set up by Le while he was still in his teenage years.
In other news, a shooting has occurred in the city of California, with reports suggesting that three locations were targeted. The investigation is ongoing, and several people have been injured in the incident.
Iranian authorities have announced that the internet will remain blocked in the country for another day, affecting the ability of citizens to communicate with the outside world. Iranian military officials have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation in the region, with the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian army warning that the country will not tolerate any aggression from external forces.
In related news, Pakistan has expressed its support for the stability and security of Somalia, calling for continued cooperation with the international community to address the challenges faced by the African nation.
