31 August,2026 04:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Uzbekistan`s highest state honour during his visit to the Central Asian nation. File pic
The BJP on Monday criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Uzbekistan's highest state honour, accusing the Hyderabad MP of attempting to politicise an international recognition given to the Indian Prime Minister.
Owaisi had on Sunday referred to the historical connection of Mughal emperor Babur with present-day Uzbekistan while commenting on the honour conferred on Modi during his visit to the Central Asian country.
Reacting to Modi being awarded the Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik', Uzbekistan's highest state award, Owaisi said he congratulated the BJP and pointed out that Uzbekistan was the country from which Babur came to India.
The AIMIM chief also remarked that Modi has increasingly been receiving honours during his foreign visits.
Owaisi noted that Babur belonged to the Fergana Valley in present-day Uzbekistan and said that wherever the Prime Minister travels, he returns with an award.
His comments drew a sharp response from BJP leaders, who said the honour should be viewed as recognition of India rather than as a political achievement of Modi or the BJP.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said Owaisi appeared unhappy with the recognition given to the Prime Minister and argued that the award represented India's standing internationally.
Hussain said Modi had received top honours from several countries, including nations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Islamic countries, and stressed that such recognition should be seen as an honour for the country.
Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey also criticised Owaisi, accusing him of frequently making what he described as frivolous remarks. He claimed that neither the public nor the media takes such comments seriously.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also targeted Owaisi over his reference to Babur. She accused him of repeatedly bringing up the Mughal ruler while discussing contemporary issues.
Shaina NC said Uzbekistan's decision to honour Modi was an international recognition and questioned why Owaisi connected it with Babur's historical origins.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma offered a different perspective, saying Muslim invaders and Mughal rulers should not be treated as one category.
Verma said the Mughals were part of India's history and argued that their period witnessed both development and destruction. He said historical figures and events should be examined separately rather than being placed in the same category.
(With inputs from IANS)
