Could Asaduddin Owaisi face disqualification as an MP for his 'Jai Palestine' slogan? What do the rules stipulate?

Could Asaduddin Owaisi face disqualification as an MP for his 'Jai Palestine' slogan? What do the rules stipulate?

A controversy erupted on Tuesday as AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi concluded his oath-taking as a Member of Parliament for Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha with the slogan ‘Jai Palestine’. Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders argued that the slogan, which has since been expunged from the Lok Sabha records, could potentially disqualify Owaisi from Parliament for demonstrating allegiance to a foreign state.

Besides expressing pride in his state, Telangana, and paying tribute to BR Ambedkar, Owaisi, re-elected for the fifth time from the Hyderabad seat, ignited controversy by chanting the slogan 'Jai Palestine' in Urdu after taking the oath.

Will review the regulations: Rijiju Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, acknowledged receiving complaints from several members regarding Owaisi's remarks on Palestine. He stated that he would examine the rules, emphasizing that there is no hostility towards Palestine or any other nation. Rijiju questioned whether it is appropriate for any member to chant slogans praising another country while taking the oath, underscoring the need to verify the rules in this regard.

Amit Malviya, the head of BJP's IT cell, recently shared a snippet from Article 102 of the Constitution and a video clip of Owaisi’s slogan on X. Malviya stated, 'According to current regulations, Asaduddin Owaisi could face disqualification from his Lok Sabha seat for showing allegiance to a foreign state, specifically Palestine.'

Article 102 outlines the criteria for disqualification as a Member of Parliament.

Speaking outside Parliament to reporters, Owaisi defended his actions, asserting, "Other members are expressing different opinions... How is that incorrect? Show me the constitutional provision. You should also hear out others. I have spoken my mind. Consider what Mahatma Gandhi said about Palestine."

When questioned about his reference to Palestine, Owaisi stated, "They are a people suffering oppression."

Regarding disqualification, Article 102 of the Constitution states: "A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament:

(a) If he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder.

Certainly! Here's a rewritten version:

(b) If he has been declared of unsound mind by a competent court;

(c) If he is an undischarged insolvent.

(d) If he is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired citizenship of a foreign State, or acknowledges allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.

(e) If he is disqualified under any law enacted by Parliament.

Clarification: For the purpose of this provision, a person shall not be considered to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government solely by virtue of their position as a Minister in either the Union or a State Government.

Additionally, a person shall face disqualification as a member of either House of Parliament if they are disqualified under the Tenth Schedule.

The Tenth Schedule, commonly known as the Anti-Defection Act, penalizes Members of Parliament (MPs) for switching parties. It outlines the criteria for disqualifying elected representatives based on defection to another political party.

India's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict favors a two-state solution. The country has increased financial aid to Palestinian refugee welfare agencies in recent years.