Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): In a sharp rebuttal to Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister, Aniruddh Singh accused Owaisi of acting as a “Team-B” for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Singh claimed that Owaisi’s politics revolves around a single community and that he is out of touch with the issues affecting Himachal Pradesh.
“The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh focuses on development and ensures that every action is lawful. This isn’t an issue of the temple or mosque but rather of legal and illegal constructions,” said Singh, referring to the ongoing controversy over unauthorized structures. He made it clear that the government is taking action based on law and does not need Owaisi to intervene or politicize the matter.
While Singh noted his personal respect for Owaisi, he criticized the MP for promoting communal politics and neglecting development issues.
“He does the politics of a particular community and has nothing to do with development,” Singh remarked.
Regarding the presence of immigrants in Himachal Pradesh, Singh pointed out that the Muslim community has peacefully coexisted in the state for generations. However, he expressed concern over the recent influx of people from other states, emphasising that the primary issue is ensuring proper verification of newcomers.
“There is no difference between Hindus and Muslims among those coming from other states. The real concern is that we must verify those coming to Himachal Pradesh to prevent any security risks,” Singh explained.
Singh also noted the arrival of individuals from other countries and suggested the need for a thorough investigation into the background of these newcomers. He called for vigilance in ensuring the safety and security of the region.
“The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh focuses on development and ensures that every action is lawful. This isn’t an issue of the temple or mosque but rather of legal and illegal constructions,” said Singh.
“He does the politics of a particular community and has nothing to do with development. We need to investigate where they’re coming from. There are people coming from Bangladesh, and this is a concern for the entire country. We need to keep a check on this,” he stated, urging for more stringent regulations to prevent illegal activity.
Singh continued to stress the importance of proper verification, warning of the potential risks posed by unchecked migration.
“This is not about Hindus or Muslims, it’s about ensuring the law is followed. People who come to Himachal Pradesh for business or other purposes must go through proper checks. Even if they have a criminal,” he added.
The Sanjauli Mosque row continues to stir political debate in Himachal Pradesh, with both BJP and Congress leaders expressing their positions on the issue