Owaisi Critiques Government's Citizenship Verification Approach
Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM leader, has voiced strong criticism of the government's approach to citizenship verification, suggesting that it aims to systematically exclude individuals. He raised concerns about the changing criteria for proving citizenship and questioned the implications for ordinary citizens. Owaisi highlighted the Passport Act of 1967 as a valid proof of citizenship, arguing that the government should not rely solely on citizenship certificates. His remarks challenge the government's authority to question individuals' citizenship status, emphasizing his own identity as an Indian citizen by birth. This article delves into Owaisi's arguments and the broader implications for citizenship rights in India.
Jun 25, 2026, 19:32 IST
Owaisi Questions Citizenship Verification Standards
Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of AIMIM, expressed his discontent on Thursday regarding the government's stance on citizenship verification, asserting that the current statements aim to create an environment that systematically excludes individuals. Speaking in Hyderabad, Owaisi raised concerns about the shifting criteria for proving Indian citizenship and questioned the potential impact on ordinary citizens.
The AIMIM chief voiced serious doubts about the long-term agenda of the government. He accused the administration of seeking arbitrary power to challenge people's citizenship status. Commenting on the possibility of this being used as a political tool, Owaisi suggested that the government might imply that by 2030, only those holding a BJP membership card would be recognized as Indian citizens.
Referring to the Passport Act of 1967, Owaisi discussed the validity of passports as proof of citizenship. He noted that this document is issued only after thorough police verification, ensuring that the holder is indeed an Indian citizen. He emphasized that passports are exclusively granted to Indian nationals, stating that the act clearly specifies that no passport is issued to non-citizens and that it requires comprehensive police scrutiny. He argued that if citizenship certificates are deemed the only proof, then such certificates are only issued to those who acquire citizenship through registration or naturalization.
The Hyderabad MP opposed the notion that a citizenship certificate should be the sole evidence of nationality. He explained that such certificates typically apply to individuals who gain citizenship through registration or naturalization, which does not encompass the majority of the population born in the country. Owaisi asserted, "I am an Indian citizen by birth and by choice. My ancestors and I have been born here for generations." He challenged the government's right to suddenly question anyone's Indian identity, referencing his lineage to contest the need for additional documentation.
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