A political debate has emerged after AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said that a hijab-clad woman could one day become the Prime Minister of India. He made the statement while addressing an election rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, on Friday.

During his speech, Owaisi referred to Dr B R Ambedkar and said that the Indian Constitution gives equal rights to every citizen, irrespective of religion. He stated that the Constitution allows any Indian citizen to become Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or even a mayor.

“It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter becomes the Prime Minister of this country,” Owaisi said at the rally.

Owaisi also compared India with Pakistan, claiming that Pakistan’s Constitution does not provide the same level of inclusivity for people belonging to other religions. According to him, India stands apart because its Constitution guarantees equal opportunity to all citizens.

Reacting to Owaisi’s statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the AIMIM leader. Sarma asserted that India is a Hindu nation and expressed his belief that the Prime Minister of India will always be a Hindu.

“India’s PM will always be a Hindu,” Sarma said while responding to the remarks.

However, Sarma also acknowledged that the Indian Constitution does not place any restriction on who can become the Prime Minister. He accepted that, constitutionally, any citizen of the country is eligible to hold the post, regardless of religion.

The exchange of remarks has drawn attention during the ongoing election season, highlighting differing political views on religion, constitutional rights, and leadership in India.