Photo Credit ANI

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticized President Droupadi Murmu’s joint address to Parliament, labeling it as “old wine in a new bottle.” Owaisi pointed out that the address failed to mention minorities or unemployment, despite recent concerns highlighted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about rising hate speech and the demolition of religious places of minorities in India.

“In the entire address, there was no mention of minorities or unemployment. There was nothing new in the address; it was like an old wine in a new bottle,” Owaisi told ANI. He also highlighted issues related to paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, stressing that a re-examination should be conducted due to widespread leaks. “They (the Government) are playing with the lives of 25 lakh youth and their families,” he added.

Owaisi further commented to PTI, saying, “BJP doesn’t understand that they don’t have the mandate. In this entire President’s address, there is no mention of the word ‘minority’. Why does the Modi government hate minorities so much?”

In her address, President Murmu stated that the government is committed to fair investigations into recent incidents of paper leaks and ensuring that the guilty are punished. She emphasized the need for transparency in competitive examinations and government recruitment processes, urging the nation to rise above party politics and undertake concrete measures to prevent such issues.

“Whether it is competitive examinations or government recruitment, there should be no reason for any hindrance. This process requires complete transparency and probity. Regarding the recent instances of paper leak in some examinations, my government is committed to a fair investigation and ensuring strict punishment to the culprits,” President Murmu said.

She also noted past instances of paper leaks and stressed the importance of nationwide measures to address this issue. Additionally, Murmu announced that the government would make several significant announcements in the upcoming budget, promising major economic and social decisions to accelerate reforms and meet the aspirations of the people.

#WATCH | Delhi: On President Droupadi Murmu's address, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says "In the entire address, there was no mention of minorities or unemployment. US State Secretary Antony Blinken said yesterday that there has been an increase in hate speech in India and religious… pic.twitter.com/CjhIqq9A0g

— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2024