Hyderabad, Nov. 4 -- Remarking that secularism doesn't seem to be "offended by Hindu rituals but is allergic to a mosque", Asaduddin Owaisi hit back at the Union Government over its claims that a mosque inside government premises is incompatible with its secular character.

His statements came a day after the Centre informed the Delhi High Court that the century-old Qadeemi Mosque inside the government office complex needs to be demolished as part of the Central Vista project. The reason given: the mosque is incompatible with the secular character of the property.

"The Union government has told the Delhi High Court that the century-old Qadeemi Masjid, located within the Krishi Bhawan compound in New Delhi, must be removed to make way for...