Owaisi calls Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma a 'tubelight'

A political controversy has erupted following a recent statement by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he asserted that while the Indian Constitution places no bar on who can become the Prime Minister, India is a Hindu nation rooted in Hindu civilization, and therefore the Prime Minister of the country will always be a Hindu.

Addressing the media, Sarma said that constitutionally, anyone is eligible to become the Prime Minister of India, but expressed strong confidence that the country would always have a Hindu Prime Minister, citing India’s civilisational identity. His remarks have triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, reigniting the debate over secularism and constitutional values.

Reacting strongly to the statement, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp attack on the Assam Chief Minister. Owaisi questioned Sarma’s understanding of the Constitution, saying that despite taking an oath on it, the Chief Minister appeared unaware of its contents and spirit.

“He is a tubelight in his mind,” Owaisi remarked, accusing Sarma of having a “Pakistan-like mindset.” Drawing a comparison with Pakistan’s constitutional provisions, Owaisi said that unlike Pakistan—where only members of a particular community can hold the posts of Prime Minister or President—India’s Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, guarantees equal rights irrespective of religion.

Owaisi emphasised that India’s strength lies in its diversity and secular character. “This country does not belong to any one religion or community—that is its beauty. Even those who do not believe in God have a place here,” he said, adding that Sarma’s remarks reflected narrow thinking and undermined constitutional values.

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