Asaduddin Owaisi slams Cong, AAP over silence in Bilkis Bano case, says country needs 'weak Prime Minister'

India should have a weak prime minister and a "khichdi" or multi-party government after the next Lok Sabha elections so that the weaker sections of society benefit, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said here on Saturday.

Ahmedabad: Those silent on crucial matters such as the remission of Bilkis Bano's rapists have already entered into a compromise, AIMIM (All India Masjlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said, slamming Opposition parties such as Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. Owaisi, who is on a Gujarat visit to carry out rallies for his side for the upcoming assembly elections in the state, further said that India needed a 'weak Prime Minister' and multi-party government to thrive.

"If you're opposing BJP, but at the same time keeping mum on the Bilkis Bano issue, then it amounts to compromising with the problem of communalism. As far as MIM is concerned, we do not think Bilkis Bano is just a Muslim issue, or a women's issue, but that it directly relates to justice. If everyone keeps quiet when it comes to delivering justice to someone, then the very idea of justice is harmed. Some other woman might be in place of Bilkis Bano tommorow" Owaisi said.

"The BJP government here released those responsible for the rape and killing of Bilkis Bano's family members under remission policy. The committee which decided for the release noted that some of the accused were 'good-natured Brahmin men', which is why they were let go. This marks the second time for injustice to happen to her," the AIMIM chief further stated.

Asked about rumours of his party targetting Muslim-majority seats held by Congress legislators, Owaisi noted that he did not need to judgement from any other side. "I would like to ask them why 18 of their MLAs have shifted to the BJP. I would like to appeal to the people, that if you vote for Congress, it amounts to voting for BJP. When it comes to Aam Aadmi Party, they are no different from BJP. They were totally silent on the Bano matter. If they remain silent on these things, what would they say in support of the poor people in Gujarat" he observed.

Speaking on AIMIM's strategy in Gujarat, Owaisi said the 'preparation was in full swing'. "Wherever our organisational units are strong, we will field our candidates in all those areas". He further said the country needed a 'khichdi' government - a multi-party regime - as well as someone 'weak' in power. "A Prime Minister who is powerful will only help other powerful people. One who is week, on the other hand, will benefit the weak when he's in power" he stated.