A victory in the US midterm elections has become a talking point in Indian politics, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi using Abdul El-Sayed's win in Michigan to make a pointed statement about Muslim political representation in India.

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Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Owaisi said El-Sayed's victory showed that a person identified as 'Abdul' could rise to political leadership through democracy, instead of being confined to stereotypes often used in Indian political discourse.

Drawing a comparison with Uttar Pradesh, where elections are approaching, Owaisi said Muslims should no longer be seen merely as supporters or campaign workers for other political leaders.

"Did 'Abdul' succeed in becoming a senator in Michigan? Did it happen? Why am I saying this? Has the issue of 'Abdul' become a hot topic because we raised it, or not?" he asked.

He went on to refer to remarks he attributed to leaders of the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, saying the former had portrayed 'Abdul' as someone who repairs punctured tyres, while the latter had described him as someone who lays carpets.

"In a democracy, Abdul has become a senator. So, in Uttar Pradesh, God willing, Abdul will not bow his head in fear; rather, he will become an MLA and a leader and will not lay down the carpets," Owaisi said.

Owaisi's remarks draw a direct connection between El-Sayed's electoral success in the US and the question of Muslim representation in Indian politics.

By invoking the Michigan result, the AIMIM chief sought to challenge the political stereotypes he says are attached to Muslims and argue for a greater role in decision-making and electoral leadership.

His comments also come amid political activity in Uttar Pradesh, where Owaisi has addressed public meetings in recent weeks. His reference to Muslims becoming MLAs and leaders signals the importance he is placing on independent political representation.

With agency inputs