All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi sparked off yet another controversy on Sunday after he urged Muslims to vote for candidates from their own community.

While addressing a rally in Hyderabad, Oawaisi invoked the Hapur lynching incident to incite religious sentiment, saying Muslims in India should become a political power to strengthen secularism and democracy.

"I want to tell you that if you want to keep secularism alive then fight for your rights; become a political power, vote for your (Muslim) candidates. If Muslims become a political power, secularism and democracy will be strengthened," he said.

A 45-year-old man was lynched by a mob over rumours of cow slaughter at Hapur in Uttar Pradesh. A photograph of Qasim being dragged by a crowd in the presence of three policemen had gone viral on social media.

“Qasim's death will make us think. But I am not asking you to shed tears. I beckon your conscience to rise. These people talking about secularism are the biggest dacoits ... biggest opportunists. They used Muslims for 70 years, threatened us, forced us to keep quiet,” said Owaisi.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AIMIM chief said, “It is happening under your rule…is this your idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas?”

On Friday, Owaisi had tweeted: "Rwanda is coming? Bloody shameful I hope the 'Political Maulanas' of 'Secular Political' parties wake up & stop preaching about ideas which are finished. This is (New) INDIA HasbunAllah Wa Namal Wakeel, Indian Muslims this is the Time to fight back and SAVE INDIA."