Guwahati, April 2: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday declared that Muslims in Assam will vote unitedly in support of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the upcoming assembly elections on April 9.

Speaking at a rally for AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Binnakandi, Owaisi alleged that the BJP is indulging in “hate politics” while accusing the Congress of remaining silent. “Muslims will cast their votes unitedly and Badruddin Ajmal’s 29 candidates will win. Assam’s politics will be decided by the AIUDF,” he said.

Owaisi criticised eviction drives carried out by the BJP-led Assam government, calling them “completely unconstitutional.” He noted that Ajmal had approached the Supreme Court, which directed that displaced families be given alternate land if the property was forest land, and otherwise not be evicted. “The government displaced 50,000 people – this is a big injustice and violation of human rights,” he claimed.

He further said the Muslim community in Assam has faced longstanding challenges, with their rights and security not being ensured. “I have come to Assam for a special purpose – to speak out for the rights and protection of Miya Muslims,” Owaisi stated. The term “Miya,” once used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims, has in recent years been reclaimed by activists as a symbol of defiance.

Owaisi also criticised both BJP and Congress governments for their handling of issues like the NRC and CAA, accusing them of using minorities for political gain. “The community’s citizenship issue should not be used for political mileage,” he said.