Sticking to his stand, Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader, said that he will not chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. Owaisi took on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying that it is not in constitution to take the slogan so as to prove his patriotism.

Asaduddin Owaisi said, "I won't utter that (slogan) even if you put a knife to my throat."

"I stand by on what I have said and no one can force me to say anything. How it's a violation of law, if I don't say 'Bharat Mata ki Jai',” he said.

"I follow the constitution of this country and it does not force me to say this. They (RSS) are trying to force their ideology and I'm ready to debate on this," he added.

The backdrop of these comments from Owaisi is the suggestion from RSS chief for the need to teach the new generation to chant slogans hailing mother India.

In a public rally on Sunday in Latur district, Maharashtra, Owaisi said "I don't chant that slogan. What are you going to do, Bhagwat sahab?"

"I won't utter that (slogan) even if you put a knife to my throat. Nowhere in the Constitution, it is written that one should say Bharat Mata ki Jai", he said.

Lashing out at AIMIM leader, BJP leaders called his comments divisive.

- Sumana