Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 10 : Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC on Friday reacted to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi's "hijab-clad women as PM" remarks, stating there is "no vacancy for the Prime Minister's post".
Speaking to ANI, Shaina NC emphasised that leadership should be based on performance and popular mandate, not caste, creed, or community. She added that a woman Prime Minister could be supported in the future on merit.
"Asaduddin Owaisi, there is no vacancy for the Prime Minister's slot. Narendra Modi's popularity is known to one and all. First, let your members of parliament be elected, then dream about a Prime Minister. Yes, at some stage, we too would want a woman Prime Minister, but not based on her caste, creed, or community, but on her good work and the popular mandate of the people of India," Shaina said.
Her remarks came after Owaisi said that one day a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of India.
Speaking at the election meeting in Maharashtra's Solapur, Owaisi on Friday argued that such inclusivity is not offered in Pakistan's constitution, which restricts people of other religions from holding top posts.
"The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib's constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country," he said.
Owaisi further said that those who "spread hate against Muslims will come to an end" and when love becomes common, people will realise "how their people's mind was poisoned".
"The hate that you are spreading against Muslims, this will not go on for long. Those who spread hate will come to an end. When love becomes common, then they will realise how people's mind was poisoned," he said.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla sharply reacted to Owaisi's remarks, challenging him to make a 'Pasmanda' muslim or hijab-clad woman the president of AIMIM.
"Hijabwali will become PM says Miyaan Owaisi. Miyaan Owaisi - constitution stops nobody, but I challenge you to make a Pasmanda or Hijabwali as your president of AIMIM first," Poonawalla said in a post on X.
This comes amid intense campaigning for Mumbai's upcoming civic elections, which are scheduled to be held on January 15. The results will be announced on January 16.