Hyderabad: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of targeting mosques, graveyards and houses for political gains, saying such actions undermine constitutional and legal protections available to every citizen.
Owaisi made these remarks at the party headquarters in Darrussalaam, Hyderabad, in response to the demolition of a mosque inside the District Magistrate's office complex in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. The demolition took place a day after the District Judge's court dismissed an appeal filed by the Muslim side against an earlier order declaring the structure illegal.
"Muslims are being selectively targeted through demolition drives and other government action," Owaisi alleged while addressing the media.
The Hyderabad MP questioned the use of bulldozers against properties when legal and court proceedings are still ongoing, arguing that due process must be followed before any demolition is carried out. He said mosques, graveyards and houses are protected under various legal and constitutional provisions, and alleged that targeting them creates fear and insecurity among members of the Muslim community.
Owaisi also raised concerns about demolition drives being used as a political tool, particularly in cases where property disputes remain pending before courts. He stressed that governments must respect judicial proceedings and ensure that every citizen receives equal protection under the law.
Accusing BJP-ruled states of demolishing mosques and graveyards to polarise voters along communal lines, the AIMIM chief called on state governments to uphold constitutional values, the rule of law and the rights of citizens regardless of their religion.
He added that law enforcement and civic authorities must act strictly within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws, and that disputes over the ownership or legality of structures should be resolved through established legal procedures rather than punitive demolition.
