News Brief
'Disqualify Asaduddin Owaisi For Allegiance To Foreign State': Advocate Writes To President Over 'Jai Palestine' Slogan
Nishtha Anushree
Jun 26, 2024, 03:51 PM | Updated 03:51 PM IST
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Senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking disqualification of Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi for saying 'Jai Palestine' after taking oath in the Lok Sabha.
The advocate has filed the complaint under Articles 102 and 103 of the Indian Constitution against the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief.
"Palestine is a foreign state. No citizen of India can have allegiance or adherence to the said state," the letter says citing Article 102 which sets allegiance to a foreign state as a condition for disqualification.
Calling Owaisi's use of 'Jai Palestine' phrase after taking oath a "serious matter and threat to national security," Jain sought "immediate attention and proper action" against the AIMIM chief.
"Disqualify Owaisi under Article 102 1(d) and call the opinion of the Election Commission of India as provided under Article 103" over Owaisi's disqualification, the letter requested the President.
It says that Article 102 1(d) prevents any person from becoming the MP if "he is in any manner in acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign state."
After taking oath in Lok Sabha, Owaisi concluded with phrases, "Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine, Takbeer, Allah-u-Akbar." This sparked controversy because India supports a two-state solution.
India has diplomatic ties with both Israel and Palestine, who have been involved in a conflict for decades. This was escalated on 7 October 2023 when the terrorist group ruling Gaza of Palestine, Hamas attacked Israel.
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Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.
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