I'll get all votes if I contest election against Owaisi: Javed Akhtar

Acclaimed lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar says he will contest elections against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owais if given a constituency with Hindus and Muslims in equal numbers.

At the India Today Conclave 2016, in the light of Owaisi's refusal to say "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", Akhtar was asked if he would contest elections against him?

"If I contest elections against him in a place with Hindus and Muslims in a 50-50 proportion, I know I will get votes from everybody," Akhtar said.

Adding that there has to be an explanation as to why Owaisi would disagree, Akhtar also added that the former can't just end at "it has not been mentioned in the constitution".

Without naming Owaisi, Akhtar on Tuesday at his farewell speech in the Rajya Sabha, attacked him for the refusal, saying: "He said he will not say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' as the constitution does not require him to say so. The constitution even does not ask him to wear sherwani (dress) and topi (cap)... I don't care to know whether saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' is my duty or not, it is my right."