Owaisi targets Rajinikanth for praising Modi, Shah on Kashmir

Rajinikanth had recently likened Modi, Shah to Arjuna, Krishna for Kashmir decision

Owaisi Rajini A collage of Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM Twitter handle) and Rajinikanth (file)

On Tuesday evening, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi picked an unlikely target—south Indian superstar Rajinikanth. While delivering a speech at the party headquarters in Hyderabad on the occasion of Eid, Owaisi took potshots at the actor for backing the BJP on the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.

“An actor from Tamil Nadu said that the Kashmir issue was solved by Amit Shah (and Modi) like Krishna and Arjuna. Who are Pandavas and Kauravas? Is Kashmir issue the Mahabharat now?” asked Owaisi.

A few days ago, Rajinikanth praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president and Home Minister Amit Shah for their decision on Kashmir. He congratulated them while speaking at a function in Chennai.

In his 45-minute speech, Owaisi strongly criticised the Central government and compared Modi rule to dictatorship. Owaisi challenged the Modi government to remove restrictions in Kashmir and allow the people to express themselves freely. He also expressed concern about cutting off of communication channels by the government.

“I know that this establishment only loves Kashmir and not Kashmiris. They love the land, but not the people who inhabit it. They are interested in power and not justice,” he said. “We have seen in history that all the powerful people who thought they were invincible were brought down,” Owaisi said.

Owaisi also objected to the way the bills related to Kashmir were passed. “ [A] 25-page bill was introduced and it was expected that everyone read it. How is it possible?” Owaisi argued.

Owaisi disagreed with the amendments to the RTI Act and also explained why he opposed the triple talaq bill.

He questioned the Modi government on the economic conditions of the country and felt that it is not doing enough to address loss of jobs.

Owaisi announced the AIMIM will donate Rs 10 lakh each for floor relief activities in Kerala and Maharashtra.