Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi had a sharp exchange in the Lok Sabha on Monday, with Shah saying he was not trying to intimidate anyone but could do nothing if someone was afraid.

How the row began

The argument broke out while the House was debating the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill. Opposition MPs, Owaisi among them, had interrupted BJP member Satyapal Singh. Singh had alleged that a political leader in the state once told the then Hyderabad police commissioner to change the direction of an investigation in a particular case or face a transfer. He said he knew of this because he was serving as Mumbai police commissioner at the time.

Owaisi, who represents Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha, objected to the claim and demanded that Singh lay all the records supporting it on the table of the House.

The exchange

Shah then rose from his seat and said members on the treasury benches had not disrupted opposition speakers, and expected the same courtesy in return. Gesturing towards Owaisi, he said the opposition should have the patience to hear other viewpoints.

An agitated Owaisi told Shah not to wag a finger at him, insisting he could not be frightened. Shah replied that he was not trying to scare him, and was only asking opposition members to be patient enough to listen to the other side. “When you have fear in your mind then what can I do,” he said.

See also: AIMIM | Lok Sabha members

Originally published on 15 July 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us