AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi refrained from answering questions about what he would have done as Prime Minister during the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that he prefers to focus on reality rather than hypotheticals.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi said, “I am not interested in dreaming about these things. I focus on reality and understand my limits. My goal is not just to hold the Prime Minister post or become a minister.”
Despite avoiding hypothetical scenarios, the Hyderabad MP strongly criticised the Central government’s decision to pause military action against Pakistan after the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. “As an Indian, I would like to say that there was an opportunity for us to give a befitting reply to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. I am wondering why they (Central government) stopped,” Owaisi remarked.
He highlighted the tense security environment at the time, noting that Pakistani drones had been spotted from Gujarat to Kashmir, creating nationwide support for retaliatory action. “The entire nation was ready to teach a lesson to Pakistan, but you (government) stopped. Such opportunities do not come again, but the government lost the chance,” he added, referring to the suspension of strikes after initial operations targeted terrorist hideouts and airbases in Pakistan.
Owaisi also voiced his opposition to India playing cricket against Pakistan in the recently concluded Asia Cup, stating it went against national sentiment. He reiterated AIMIM’s commitment to pluralism as India’s core identity and confirmed that the party will contest the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra.
It is noteworthy that Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, in direct response to the Pahalgam attack. India carried out targeted strikes on terror infrastructure and Pakistani airbases, while Pakistan retaliated with drones and missiles, which were neutralised by Indian forces. The period also saw intense cross-border shelling, underscoring the gravity of the security situation.
