During the ongoing winter session of Parliament, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns over the declining representation of Muslims in the Lok Sabha. Speaking during a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Owaisi accused the Election Commission of not adhering to rules laid down by Parliament and the Supreme Court.

Owaisi argued that constituencies with Muslim-majority or significant Muslim populations are able to elect non-Muslim representatives, yet Muslim candidates are rarely elected from seats dominated by non-Muslims. He said, “If Muslim-majority Wayanad can elect a non-Muslim MP, then why can’t Rae Bareli, Amethi, or Etawah elect a Muslim? Political power is essential for social progress, as Ambedkar said. Minority representation must improve.”

He also remarked that although Muslims constitute about four percent of the current Lok Sabha, there is no Muslim MP in the ruling party. Taking a swipe at the Congress and Samajwadi Party, he added that Muslims also lack proper representation even in parties that identify as secular.

Owaisi calls SIR a “backdoor NRC”
The AIMIM leader strongly criticised the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls, claiming that it violates parliamentary law and Supreme Court directives. He alleged that the Election Commission removed more than 3.5 million names from the voter list without making the decision public.

Calling SIR a “backdoor NRC,” Owaisi argued that such revisions risk disenfranchising people on religious grounds and go beyond the legal powers granted to the Election Commission. He reiterated his opposition during the debate, saying minorities should not be viewed only as voters.

Demand for reforms in electoral system
Owaisi urged the government to consider adopting a parliamentary model similar to Germany’s, which includes stronger proportional representation. He said India should build consensus to declare the right to vote a fundamental right.

Why Muslims don’t sing Vande Mataram
Addressing another longstanding question, Owaisi clarified why some Muslims choose not to sing Vande Mataram. He said, “We do not worship our mothers, we do not worship the Quran, and Islam teaches that there is no god but Allah. This is our country and we will not leave it. Don’t ask us for loyalty certificates.”