AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over remarks related to the term “Miya,” alleging that the comments were disrespectful towards sections of the Muslim community in Asaam.

Speaking to media persons in Hyderabad, Owaisi referred to a January 29 statement in which Sarma said that some people from Bangladesh refer to themselves as “Miya.” Owaisi quoted Sarma as saying that if there is a “Miya” auto driver and the fare is five rupees, passengers should give four rupees. Owaisi questioned the remarks and stated that in Asaam the term “Miya” is often used for Indian citizens of Bengali-speaking Muslim descent, whose ancestors were brought during the British period for cultivation.

Owaisi also criticised the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to development claims and economic growth targets, alleging inconsistency between national ambitions and treatment of workers at the local level.

During the same interaction, Owaisi mentioned an incident reported from Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. According to reports, a gym trainer identified as Deepak Kumar was allegedly targeted after supporting a 70-year-old lawyer whose shop displayed the word “Baba.” Members of Bajrang Dal reportedly demanded the removal of the word, leading to a dispute and protests on January 31. Police registered an FIR against Kumar based on video footage.

Kotdwar ASP Chandra Mohan Singh said the situation in the area is normal, with police conducting foot patrols. Police also urged the public not to sensationalise the matter on social media.