New Delhi

Congress leader Imran Masood on Saturday dismissed AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks about a “hijab-clad woman becoming Prime Minister” as unrealistic, likening it to "seeing stars during the day."

Speaking to ANI, Masood said, "He is talking about things that are impossible; it's like seeing stars during the day. Why is he talking about something that's simply not possible? Everyone has rights within a democracy. Wearing or not wearing a hijab is a personal matter."

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also weighed in, saying leadership should be based on performance and popular mandate rather than caste, creed, or community. She added that a woman Prime Minister could be supported in the future on merit.

Owaisi, speaking at an election meeting in Solapur on Friday, had said that it is his dream that one day a hijab-clad woman could become India’s Prime Minister, contrasting India’s inclusivity with Pakistan’s constitutional restrictions on religion and top posts.

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BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded sharply, challenging Owaisi to appoint a hijab-clad or Pasmanda Muslim woman as AIMIM president first.