BJP and PM Modi face criticism from opposition leaders like Owaisi over local governance and economic policies.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticized the BJP-led central government over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Puducherry and Bihar. Speaking at a public meeting in Puducherry, Owaisi said the SIR exercise is flawed and could lead to many genuine voters’ names being left out, especially in rural areas where people often move for work. He argued that there is a lack of clarity about documents like Aadhaar and voter ID, and the provisional voter lists are missing important information. Owaisi also highlighted that nearly 65 lakh voters have been deleted in Bihar and stressed that his party has taken legal steps on the issue.
Owaisi also brought up the ongoing problem of statehood for Puducherry, blaming the Union government for not listening to the people’s desire for self-governance. He said that the concept of Union Territories should end, and every region should have its own Assembly and state status, just like the vision of India’s early leaders. He pointed out that similar promises were made for Jammu and Kashmir but even people in Ladakh feel left out.
Apart from voting issues, Owaisi spoke out on the challenges industries in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat face because of the US imposing a 50 percent tariff on Indian products. He warned that many sectors—like garments, leather, auto parts, and polished diamonds—would suffer heavy losses. He called on the Indian Prime Minister and the BJP government to find solutions for India’s businesses affected by American trade policies.
On national security, Owaisi voiced clear support for the Modi government’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack. As for upcoming elections in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, he said it is too early for AIMIM to announce any alliances.
