AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Centre for permitting the India–Pakistan Asia Cup game amid outrage over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, and criticised NCERT changes and Gaza response.

Hyderabad: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday sharply criticised the central government’s decision to allow India to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, asking whether match revenues should take precedence over the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at a public meeting, Owaisi invoked the deaths of 26 civilians and demanded that the BJP explain the moral calculus behind staging the high-profile fixture so soon after the tragedy.

Owaisi pointed to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incompatibility of “blood and talks,” and challenged the government to reconcile those words with the choice to proceed with the cricket match. He questioned what the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would earn from the fixture and whether that money could outweigh the value of human life.

Beyond the match, Owaisi attacked recent NCERT curriculum changes, alleging distortion of history around Partition and omissions that shift blame onto Muslim communities. He blamed earlier political figures — not ordinary people — for the partition while criticising new textbook narratives.

On foreign policy, Owaisi urged stronger action to alleviate suffering in Gaza, calling on governments that have previously expressed support for Palestinians to act decisively to stop civilian suffering and provide humanitarian aid. He also warned of broader repercussions if the Palestinian crisis deepens.

The leader reiterated AIMIM’s solidarity with the families of Pahalgam victims and voiced concern about what he described as increasing targeting of Muslims at home, citing incidents of demolitions and violence that, he said, create a climate of fear. 

• Owaisi’s remarks aim to mobilise public sentiment by linking a high-visibility sporting event with national security and moral questions — a potent political narrative ahead of coming state contests.

• For citizens and organisers, the episode underlines how quickly national tragedies can turn cultural events into flashpoints; transparency from authorities on timings and risk assessments could reduce public anger.

• Media and community leaders should encourage responsible coverage to prevent communal escalation while ensuring victims’ families get clear answers and support.