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Displaying items by tag: MP

A usually staid swearing-in procedure for Indian parliamentarians turned controversial when veteran opposition legislator Asaduddin Owaisi chanted ‘Jai Palestine’ after taking his oath. ‘Jai’, meaning victory in Sanskrit, can be translated as ‘Long live’. He was accused by colleagues from the ruling BJP of violating his constitutional pledge by showing loyalty to another nation, a charge he denied. During the ceremony, Owaisi swore his oath in Urdu, pledging loyalty to the country’s constitution - but then chanted ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Filisteen’. Each slogan represents various communities and regions: ‘Jai Bhim’ for Dalits, ‘Jai Meem’ referring to his party AIMIM, ‘Jai Telangana’ for his home state, and ‘Jai Filisteen’ for Palestine. This incident, amid India's complex political landscape, highlights his advocacy for minority and Dalit rights. He has been an MP from Hyderabad since 2004 and president of AIMIM since 2008, and is known for his fiery oratory in Parliament.

Published in Worldwide
Thursday, 26 July 2018 22:56

Controversial MP quotes Jesus in maiden speech

Jared O'Mara spoke for the first time in the House of Commons, ‘I was elected a year ago as Hallam's first Labour MP but due to mistakes I made - for which I am truly sorry, I hurt a lot of people - I've been unable to speak in the House with confidence until now.’ He spoke of his pride in representing disabled people, as Parliament's ‘first autistic MP, with cerebral palsy and other disabilities’. He also spoke of what can be learned from the teachings of Jesus, although he considers himself ‘a man of science.’ He said, ‘Jesus was a man who forgave those who truly repented, and he shares my belief that our utmost human priority should be helping those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable amongst us.’ MPs usually gather around their newly elected colleague for maiden speeches, but Jared stood alone at the end of the rear opposition bench.

Published in British Isles