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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Educated Muslims being hounded: Owaisi

Mumbai: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has flayed what he termed as a ‘media trial’ in the alleged TCS Nashik conversion case and claimed that educated Muslims youth are being deliberately targeted as part of planned ‘hate campaign’, here on Saturday. Reiterating full faith in the judicial process, Owaisi said that justice cannot be handed out through media narratives or television debates and the law must be allowed to take its own course. “We are seeing a very dangerous trend… Now,...

Educated Muslims being hounded: Owaisi

Mumbai: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has flayed what he termed as a ‘media trial’ in the alleged TCS Nashik conversion case and claimed that educated Muslims youth are being deliberately targeted as part of planned ‘hate campaign’, here on Saturday. Reiterating full faith in the judicial process, Owaisi said that justice cannot be handed out through media narratives or television debates and the law must be allowed to take its own course. “We are seeing a very dangerous trend… Now, educated Muslims are being picked out for orchestrated allegations and media campaigns. This doesn’t augur well for society and justice itself with the media playing the role of the judge and jury,” said Owaisi sharply. Flanked by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen state President Imtiaz Jaleel, Owaisi also emphatically said that it was wrong to link his party with the TCS case prime accused Nida Khan, “who will be ultimately proven innocent in the courts”. He expressed concerns over the slur campaign driven by malice and political motives against his party as well as Nida Khan in some sections of the media even before the investigations were completed or a judicial scrutiny. “Merely because some allegations have been hurled at a young woman professional, attempts are being made to paint her ‘guilty’ through media trials, even before judicial scrutiny. But, we have complete faith in the judiciary and are confident that the court will eventually exonerate her,” asserted Owaisi. Public Discourse Raising questions on the probe and accompanying public discourse with stress on the alleged recovery of certain ‘evidence’ from Nida Khan’s home, he sharply questioned: “Since when have a burqa, a niqab or religious literature become objectionable… Is wearing a hijab now regarded as evidence of a crime?” He said that these details along with baseless allegations are sensationalism in the media to create further prejudice against the minority community and reflected a deep-rooted hostility aimed at harassing educated Muslim men and women. Owaisi pointed out that a complaint in the TCS Nashik case was filed by a leader linked with the ruling party, and as per the software giant’s statement, Nida Khan was not with its HR Department and transferred even before the controversy erupted, contradicting several media reports. Of the nine cases lodged in the matter till date, in one case, she was accused of hurting religious sentiments, but nobody can comment on it before the court pronounces its verdict, he pointed out. Court Fight Dismissing attempts to drag and link the AIMIM into the row, he referred to a party Municipal Corporator Matin Patel who was booked merely on the basis of certain allegations and vowed to contest the matter in the court. Here Owaisi cited multiple examples of educated Muslims being scrutinised – including in Delhi when some educated youths were arrested for possessing a book by the legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib and they were later released. There was another one from Allahabad where some Muslim boys were targeted for writing an Urdu ‘sher’ (couplet) prompting judicial intervention, and predicted that even in the Nashik TCS case, the truth will ultimately prevail as no criminal charges against Nida Khan may stand. AIMIM to set up voter help-desks AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi said his party is developing a digital application containing electoral records of all 288 Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra for 2002-2024, to help voters in the SIR process. For this, the AIMIM will set up help desk centers in its strongholds to facilitate the process and ensure proper utilisation of voter data. Alleging discrepancies in electoral records, he said such errors create huge problems for the voters, especially the poor or illiterates. Owaisi mentioned how of the nearly 27 lakh names placed in the adjudication list in West Bengal, “90 pc were poor Muslims.” These centers would be open for all Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Adivasis and the general public needing assistance with the electoral records.

Six Financial Tips for 2026

As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and make smart decisions to set a strong foundation for the year. The following six key strategies will help you take control of your financial future.


Whenever I talk about investments below, I always mean a combination of mutual funds, direct stocks, and gold. These are essential for achieving your long-term goals (beyond three years). For short-term goals, you can stick to bank fixed deposits and recurring deposits.


1. Increase Your SIPs

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to invest. If you haven’t increased your SIP contributions in the last 12 months, now is a great time to review and increase. This adjustment ensures your SIPs are sufficient in comparison to your monthly income.


2. SIPs Income At Least 30 pc

Your SIPs should account for at least 30 per cent of your in-hand monthly income. This consistent investment approach helps you manage current expenses while building wealth for the future. It’s crucial that your investments not only beat inflation but also help maintain and elevate your standard of living over time.


3. Make Lumpsum Investments

If you have excess funds that you won’t need for the next three years, consider making lumpsum investments. Idle money tends to lose value due to inflation, so investing it wisely is essential.


4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is a critical component of any sound financial plan. To protect your savings and long-term financial goals, it’s essential to buy personal, comprehensive health insurance that offers sufficient coverage and necessary features. Don’t rely on your employer’s health insurance plan.


5. Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is an essential product to provide financial security for your loved ones. If you don’t already have a term plan, make it a priority to get one. If you do have it, assess whether your coverage is sufficient in relation to your income and financial goals, and increase it if needed. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to protect your family in case of an untimely death, ensuring their financial stability.


6. Engage A Financial Advisor

If you haven’t worked with a financial advisor, 2026 is the perfect time to start. A professional advisor can help you create a personalized plan that includes investments in direct stocks, mutual funds, gold, fixed-income products, and insurance strategies tailored to your income and financial goals. With expert advice, you can ensure your investments and plans are optimized for both growth and protection.


By implementing these strategies early in the year, you will position yourself for financial success and a secure 2026.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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