All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi ignited a political controversy with his statement that a 'hijab-clad woman' would one day become the Prime Minister of India. Speaking at an election rally in Solapur, Maharashtra, on Friday, Owaisi invoked the inclusive nature of the Indian Constitution, highlighting that unlike Pakistan's Constitution, which restricts top constitutional posts to members of a single religion, India's foundational document allows any citizen to aspire to such high offices. He expressed confidence that this day would come, even if he were not alive to witness it, and asserted that the 'hate being spread against Muslims' would not last long. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned Owaisi's remarks as 'irresponsible' and accused him of presenting only 'half-truth'. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla challenged Owaisi to demonstrate his commitment to empowering Muslim women by first appointing a 'hijab-clad girl' as the president of his own party, AIMIM. Additionally, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma weighed in, stating that while the Indian Constitution technically permits any citizen to become Prime Minister, the country's 'civilisational ethos' means the Prime Minister will always be a Hindu. This statement by Owaisi and the subsequent strong reactions from BJP leaders have triggered a significant political debate in India concerning secularism, identity politics, and constitutional values, particularly in the context of upcoming civic polls. The story is widely covered by major Indian news outlets, corroborating the claims.