‘Babur’s Country Is Honouring PM Modi’: Owaisi Takes Dig at BJP Over Uzbekistan Award
AIMIM chief says BJP’s repeated references to Babur should be reconsidered after Uzbekistan honoured the Prime Minister
New Delhi: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has taken a political swipe at the BJP following Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Uzbekistan’s highest state honour during his visit to the Central Asian country.
Reacting to Modi being conferred the Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik, Owaisi congratulated the Prime Minister while pointing out that the honour came from the country associated with the origins of Mughal emperor Babur.
“I congratulate the BJP. The very country from which Babur came to India has conferred an award upon the Prime Minister,” Owaisi said.
The Hyderabad MP noted that Babur was associated with the Fergana Valley in present day Uzbekistan. He also remarked that Modi has frequently received major honours during his overseas visits.
“Wherever the Prime Minister goes these days, he returns with an award. Congratulations,” Owaisi said.
Owaisi also criticised the BJP and Sangh Parivar for their repeated references to Babur in political discourse. He argued that the Uzbek recognition of Modi should prompt the RSS and its supporters to reconsider the manner in which Babur’s name is used in political attacks.
The Prime Minister was presented with Uzbekistan’s top honour for foreign leaders in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership and friendship between India and Uzbekistan.
Modi expressed gratitude for the award and said he was dedicating it to the enduring relationship between the two countries.
The Uzbek honour adds to a long list of international awards received by Modi. In July, Indonesia conferred its highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, on him for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
In June, Seychelles honoured him with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon for his leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Earlier this year, Israel conferred the Medal of the Knesset on Modi, making him its first recipient.
In 2024, Russia awarded him the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, its highest state decoration, citing his contribution to strengthening India Russia relations. The United States had also awarded Modi the Legion of Merit in 2020 for his role in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the US.