Guwahati, Feb 14: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a deleted video allegedly showing violence against Muslims, calling it “genocidal.”

In an interview with ANI, Owaisi questioned why the video was deleted, saying, “Why was it deleted if you were honest?” He added that if he had shared such content, the national reaction would have been far harsher, yet Sarma has faced no scrutiny.

Owaisi also condemned Sarma’s reported remark about paying an auto driver Rs 2 less if he is a ‘Miyan’ a term often used derogatorily for Muslims asking, “Does this kind of language suit the Chief Minister of a state?”

Earlier, the Hyderabad MP filed a police complaint demanding criminal action against Sarma for what he described as “genocidal hate speech.”

He also addressed the Vande Mataram controversy, urging that it should not be treated as a “test of loyalty,” and warned that the BJP and RSS’s approach could turn India into a “theocratic nation.”

On Parliament disruptions, Owaisi alleged that the ruling party benefits from non-functioning sessions. He added that a document cited by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from retired Army chief General MM Naravane’s memoir is public record, and the government has not denied it.

The issue arose after Gandhi attempted to quote Naravane’s pre-print book during a Lok Sabha debate, which was opposed by treasury benches. The Speaker disallowed citing unpublished material. The first phase of the Budget Session ended February 13, with the second phase beginning March 9.