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The AIMIM chief also directly questioned Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated accusations of infiltration
Owaisi challenged the Prime Minister’s commitment to Bihar, despite the fact that his party and alliance have formed the government there. File pic/PTI
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi presented a sharp rebuttal to the ruling NDA’s political narrative in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 on Wednesday.
He challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah on national security, demanded proportionate representation for the Muslim community, and critiqued the lack of development in Bihar.
Direct Challenge on Infiltration and Law & Order
Owaisi directly questioned Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated accusations of infiltration. “I have one simple question—who is the Home Minister of India? It’s not you or me. It’s the Home Minister. How, then, is infiltration happening under his watch?” he asked.
The AIMIM chief pointed out the paradox, noting that state leaders like Nitish Kumar are part of the government, and central paramilitary forces report to the Home Ministry. He sarcastically suggested that the only “official infiltrator” is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “sister”, Sheikh Hasina, who has been welcomed as India’s guest despite what he called deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations. He concluded, “If infiltration is happening, who is responsible?”
Waqf Law and Political Hypocrisy
Addressing the issue of the Waqf Act, Owaisi challenged those threatening to abolish it, suggesting they first try to change the Hindu Endowment Act. He defended his opposition to the bill in Parliament and his subsequent challenge in the Supreme Court.
He stated that the law can only be changed in two ways: by removing the BJP government or by a final Supreme Court ruling. He also hit back at BJP leaders, mentioning that one union minister had called the Muslim community “namak haram” and another had labelled them “infiltrators”.
Questioning PM Modi’s Role in Bihar’s Development
Owaisi challenged the Prime Minister’s commitment to Bihar, despite the fact that his party and alliance have formed the government there. “What has he done for the people of Bihar and the Seemanchal region?” he asked.
He lamented the lack of infrastructure, development, and basic healthcare facilities, stating, “The Prime Minister’s heart still lies in Ahmedabad.” Owaisi specifically highlighted the annual loss of land in districts like Kishanganj due to floods, criticising the government for resorting to “election-time announcements” like transferring money to women’s accounts instead of undertaking substantial flood control measures like building embankments. He warned these promises might prove “unaffordable,” drawing a parallel to a failure in Maharashtra.
Demand for Power Sharing and Muslim CM Aspiration
Owaisi emphasised the right of the 17% Muslim population in Bihar to proportionate power-sharing, congratulating Mukesh Sahani for his community (3% population) demanding the Deputy CM post.
“Are they [Muslims] only meant to vote and then stay silent?” he questioned. He defended the aspiration for a Muslim chief minister, stating that every citizen has an equal right to aspire to any post. He further criticised his opponents who are Yadavs, suggesting their discomfort stems from his stance on security. Citing the example of Mohammad Azharuddin receiving a ministerial role in Telangana, he asked, “Why can’t we demand proportionate power-sharing?”
Vision for Bihar and Critique of the Current Regime
Owaisi painted a grim picture of Bihar beyond the capital, saying the state “resembles regions of Africa that are still recovering from conflict.” He highlighted the mass migration of youth, struggling families, and the failure to deliver MNREGA funds or flood relief.
He characterised the state’s political history as having two phases of “Jungle Raj”: one under Lalu Prasad Yadav and “the other is what we see today under the current regime.” He accused the BJP of “stealing MLAs” across states, calling it “sheer hypocrisy,” and expressed confidence that the people, who are “far more aware than the ruling class thinks,” will bless his party with good numbers this time.
October 30, 2025, 08:00 IST
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