From Owaisi to Trump: How ‘Abdul’ became a political weapon and talking point in two countries

In politics, the words leaders choose and the timing of their remarks can shape public debate. Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has repeatedly invoked the name Abdul while speaking about Muslim political representation. Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump has also been mentioning Abdul, referring to Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan ahead of the US midterm elections.

In today’s episode of DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, conducted a detailed analysis of how the name Abdul has become a political talking point in two countries, and how political leaders are using it to reach voters and challenge their opponents.

Why Owaisi is invoking Abdul in Uttar Pradesh

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has begun campaigning in Uttar Pradesh even before the Assembly election schedule has been announced. He has been holding public meetings in Muslim-majority areas, speaking about Muslim interests and the need to increase the community’s political representation.

In his speeches, Owaisi has repeatedly used the phrase that Abdul will no longer lay out the carpets. The remark draws on a political slogan that became prominent during the December 2022 by-election in the Rampur Assembly constituency.

During the campaign, the then Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said at a public meeting, “Tell Bade Miyan that Abdul will no longer fill his hookah.”

Later, Fasahat Ali Khan Shanu, a former media adviser to Azam Khan who joined the BJP, used the phrase, “Abdul will no longer lay out the carpets.” The slogan attracted considerable attention at the time.

Azam Khan responded with a sarcastic remark, saying Abdul would not only lay out the carpets but would also mop the floors.

Over time, Abdul became a political reference to Muslim voters and their role in electoral politics. Owaisi has now revived the phrase, using it to highlight the difference between working for political parties and securing political representation for oneself.

His message centres on three themes: the political importance of Muslim voters, the need for members of the community to move beyond supporting parties and seek leadership positions themselves, and a challenge to political parties that rely on Muslim votes.

But the question remains: is Owaisi’s message reaching its intended audience? The views of people named Abdul in Uttar Pradesh offer another perspective on how the slogan is being received.

Why Trump is talking about Abdul in America

The name has also entered the political debate in the United States ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

US President Donald Trump has targeted his political opponents by referring to Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate in Michigan. During his rallies, Trump has repeatedly mentioned El-Sayed and accused him of having links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Trump’s remarks have brought the candidate into the wider political debate as the midterm elections approach. By repeatedly invoking El-Sayed’s name and making these allegations, Trump is seeking to gain an electoral advantage over his opponents.

The political contexts in India and the United States are different, but the repeated use of the name has created a striking parallel. In Uttar Pradesh, Owaisi is invoking Abdul while arguing for greater Muslim political representation. In America, Trump is using Abdul El-Sayed’s name to attack a Democratic rival.

Two countries, two different elections, but one name has become part of the political conversation: Abdul.