New Delhi, Jan. 11 -- Congress leader Mumtaz Patel on Sunday criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remark that one day a hijab-clad woman will become the Prime Minister of India, calling it "an extreme statement" and emphasising that eligibility for the country's highest office is determined by the Constitution, not religious identity.

Speaking to ANI, Patel said, "His statement on hijab-clad women becoming Prime Minister is an extreme one. Our Constitution gives equal rights to everyone, and no matter what community they belong to, anyone can contest elections and become the Prime Minister of the country. Identity does not determine anyone's eligibility or qualification. Why only hijab-clad women? Any woman can be the Prime Minister...