Political leaders expressed shock and outrage at the attack on All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi.
On Thursday, At least three men including a BJP member fired three to four rounds of bullets at Owaisi’s vehicle in Hapur city while he was returning from poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.
Soon after the incident, Owaisi has asked the Election Commission to order an independent inquiry and said it was the responsibility of the Uttar Pradesh and Union governments to conduct an investigation. “I will also meet the Lok Sabha Speaker [Om Birla],” the parlamenatrian said.
“I was leaving for Delhi after a poll event in Kithaur, Meerut. 3-to 4 rounds of bullets were fired upon my vehicle by 2 people near Chhajarsi toll plaza, they were a total of 3-4 people. Tyres of my vehicle punctured. I left on another vehicle,” Owaisi said.
Sachin Pandit, a BJP member was arrested at the spot and the police recovered a pistol from him. Shubham, who fled the spot after the incident, was later arrested by the police.
“Outrageous”
‘”Violence of any kind should have no place in a democracy. The news of firing on the vehicle of the National President of AIMIM is very sad and condemnable. Strict action should be taken against those responsible for the incident,” Samajwadi Party said through its official Twitter handle.
”In a state where the CM is openly inciting the crowd by threatening from the stage. What more can one expect from his blind devotees there? The attack on the national president of AIMIM Asaudddin Owaisi exposes the poor system of governance and administration. Our sympathies are with Owaisi Ji,” read a tweet by Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar Azad.
”Very sorry to hear about the attack on Owaisi Sahab today. Speaks volumes about the law and order situation in UP. Hope the culprits are punished,” former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
”Strongly condemn the attack on Asaduddin Owasisi Sahab by some gunmen at Chhajarsi toll plaza in UP. It’s horrible and disturbing to learn that an MP is not safe in UP. I demand a high-level investigation into the matter and stringent action against the culprits and conspirators,” said Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, AIUDF chief, and MP from Assam.
”Glad you are safe Asad Bhai. Outrageous and utterly reprehensible; Strongly condemn this act of cowardice,” said KT Rama Rao, Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development of Telangana. KTR is also the working president of TRS, ruling party of Owaisi’s state.
Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the attack on Owaisi’s convoy in Uttar Pradesh is concerning.
“The Election Commission needs to intervene in the issue with seriousness. DGP, UP must look after in providing the security to candidates contesting in the elections,” Malik said.
Prakash Ambedkar, national president of Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi tweeted: “I condemn the attack on Mr. Asaduddin Owasi and pray for his long life to serve the people.”
Former Madhya Pradesh CM and senior Congress politician Digvijaya Singh who condemned the life attempt, urged UP Police to punish culprits.
Gujarat MLA and Bharatiya Tribal Party leader Chhotubhai Vasava also condemned the attack.
“Extremely shocking to hear about the gun attack on Asaduddin Owaisi janaab’s car in UP earlier today. This is the condition of UP under Yogi – guns being used openly & armed cadres that have no fear of the govt. And Yogi has the gall to say “law & order has improved.”, ” tweeted Saket Gokhale, national spokesperson of All India Trinamool Congress.
‘While condemning the attack against Owasisi, Popular Front of India chairman O M A Salam said this attack reflects fascist method. “Muslim democratic politics will not be intimidated or stopped by such cowards,” Salam said.
”We strongly condemn the attack on Asaduddin Owaisi sahab. Attack on Asaduddin Owaisi shows how much Sanghis hate Muslims,” said Tipu Sultan Party.
“News of gun fire on Asaduddin Owaisi & his convoy in UP is highly condemnable.This exposes the failure of the law and order system in the state. It seems to be a cowardice act to scare the opponents. ECI should ensure security of the political parties contesting the UP election,” MK Faizy, National President, Social Democratic Party of India, said in a tweet.
