In a jaw-dropping moment that electrified the Indian Parliament, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi took the oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha. As he swore allegiance to the nation, Owaisi added a few potent words that have set political circles ablaze: “Jai Palestine.”
#WATCH | AIMIM president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi takes oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha; concludes his oath with the words, "Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine" pic.twitter.com/ewZawXlaOB
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
Shockwaves Through Parliament: “Jai Palestine”
Asaduddin Owaisi’s oath, delivered in Urdu, ended with the unexpected declaration of “Jai Palestine.” Alongside his traditional “Jai MIM, Jai Bhim, Jai Telangana, and Takbeer Allah hu Akbar,” Owaisi’s inclusion of “Jai Palestine” underscored the struggles of the Palestinian people in their fight for justice and self-determination yet infuriated people too as the ceremony was related to taking oath as the representative of people of own constituency in the parliament.
Instant Controversy: BJP MPs React
The reaction was immediate. As Asaduddin Owaisi stood resolute, BJP MPs erupted in chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” a slogan synonymous with Hindu nationalism. BJP’s Ghaziabad MP Atul Garg began by invoking the names of prominent leaders. “Jai Atal Bihari Vajpayee!” he exclaimed, paying homage to the former Prime Minister. But he didn’t stop there. In a twist that left many MPs bewildered, he continued, “Jai Narendra Modi!”.
As Garg prepared to leave the podium, opposition MPs seized the opportunity. Amidst the chaos, they confronted him, questioning his choice of slogans. “What about our secular values?” they demanded. Garg, momentarily flustered, forgot to sign the official register—a customary step after taking the oath.
Regaining his composure, Garg returned to the podium. This time, he chose a different slogan—one that surprised everyone. “Doctor Hedgewar Zindabad!” he declared. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), received an unexpected tribute from the Ghaziabad MP.
Delhi: BJP leader Atul Garg takes oath as a Member of Parliament during the 18th Lok Sabha session pic.twitter.com/6wBcY2ttqH
— IANS (@ians_india) June 25, 2024
BJP MP from Bareilly Chhatra Pal Singh Gangwar went even further and ended his oath by the slogan-” Jai Hindu Rashtra”.
#WATCH | BJP MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar took oath as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha today and concluded his oath with the words, "Jai Hindu Rashtra, Jai Bharat."
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
The Opposition leaders raised objections to his oath. pic.twitter.com/Y190gd8xC0
Asaduddin Owaisi: A History of Defiant Oaths
This isn’t the first time Owaisi has used his oath-taking to make a statement. Back in 2019, he concluded his oath with “Jai Bhim, Allah-o-Akbar, and Jai Hind.” Fast forward to 2024, and “Jai Palestine” joins the list, signaling his commitment to marginalized communities within India and beyond its borders.
Asaduddin Owaisi’s oath followed a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Representing Hyderabad, he triumphed over BJP candidate Madhavi Latha.
Conclusion
Owaisi’s proclamation of “Jai Palestine” isn’t just about regional politics. As of now, fierce fighting continues across Gaza. In the northern part of Gaza City, the Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes, while in the southern town of Rafah, Hamas claims to have destroyed an Israeli tank, killing its crew. The conflict has escalated tensions in the region, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the war won’t end until certain conditions are met. These include the return of all hostages held by Hamas-led militants, the elimination of Hamas, and thwarting Iran’s alleged intentions to destroy Israel. Netanyahu reaffirms Israel’s commitment to the peace plan proposed by President Joe Biden, but he insists that fighting will resume if Hamas is not dismantled.
The conflict has taken a toll on civilians. Hundreds of pallets of food sit in the sun, just miles away from starving Palestinians. Gaza’s water system, severely damaged by war, is causing illness among children. Displaced people in Gaza face health risks due to the mounting waste. The situation remains complex, with no easy solutions in sight.
As the oath-taking ceremony concluded in the Indian parliament, social media buzzed with videos of Asaduddin Owaisi and Atul Garg’s oaths. While some praised it, others criticized the mixing of political slogans during a solemn occasion. The incident highlighted the tension between party loyalty and broader national values.
