If Namaz on Roads Is Wrong, All Religious Street Celebrations Should Be Opposed: Owaisi

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday said that if offering namaz on public roads is considered inappropriate, then similar standards must apply to religious street celebrations of all communities , stressing the need for equal treatment under the law .

Addressing a gathering at the AIMIM headquarters in Hyderabad , he also alleged that Muslims were being targeted and marginalised in various parts of the country, claiming there were attempts to reduce them to “second class citizens.”

Referring to broader economic and policy issues, Owaisi questioned why consumers were not seeing relief from recent fuel price hikes , despite global developments, while pointing to reported gains by Indian companies from Russian oil imports .

Citing Article 25 of the Constitution , he said religious freedom must be applied uniformly. “If offering namaz on roads is wrong, then festivals of every religion on roads are also wrong,” he said, adding that restrictions on one community while allowing others to use public spaces reflect inconsistency .

He also questioned objections raised over religious processions and yatras that involve road closures, asking how long congregational prayers typically occupy public spaces when they occur.

Owaisi further raised concerns over what he described as selective restrictions during festivals , including limits on the sale of items such as meat, eggs, and chicken in some regions during Hindu festivals.

Criticising media coverage, he alleged that certain issues involving Muslims are highlighted disproportionately while other concerns, such as reported administrative lapses in national examinations like the NEET paper leak , receive less attention.

Reiterating his stand on religious liberty , he said India belongs to all communities and constitutional rights must be protected equally. “How can you snatch away my religious freedom?” he asked.

He also commented on debates around the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam , questioning what he described as attempts to impose uniform practices across diverse personal laws.

Owaisi further criticised what he called negative portrayals of non vegetarian food habits , claiming there were efforts to push dietary uniformity. He added that historical references indicate diversity in food practices in Indian tradition.

The AIMIM chief said his party would continue to raise such issues democratically and within the constitutional framework.