Mumtaz Patel criticises Owaisi’s hijab remark, calls it extreme and divisive

Reacting to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement, Congress leader Mumtaz Patel said that remarks about hijab-clad women becoming Prime Minister were extreme and should not be politicised. Emphasising constitutional values, Patel said India is not recognised as a Hindu nation under the Constitution and belongs equally to all its citizens. She cautioned against turning sensitive issues into political narratives, stressing that such statements could deepen divisions in society. Patel reiterated that democratic discourse must remain inclusive and rooted in constitutional principles rather than ideological extremes, adding that leaders should act responsibly while addressing issues related to identity and representation.