Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded Union Minister Amit Shah for becoming India’s longest-serving Home Minister, calling it “just the beginning” of his journey. The remarks, made during a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party, have triggered speculation within the BJP about Shah’s future role in the party and government.
Addressing NDA MPs, PM Modi noted that Shah had surpassed the record set by veteran leader L.K. Advani, who served as Home Minister from 1998 to 2004. “Yeh to abhi shuruwat hai… abhi aur aage jaana hai (This is just the beginning… he has a long way to go),” Modi said, according to sources present at the meeting.
With 2,258 days in office since his appointment in May 2019, Shah has now overtaken Advani’s tenure of 2,256 days. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, served for 1,218 days.
Shah’s Tenure: Key Decisions and Party Influence
The BJP acknowledged Shah’s contribution through a post on social media, citing his leadership in major policy decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370, the crackdown on terrorism, and efforts to strengthen internal security.
A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, suggested that Modi’s praise reaffirmed the party hierarchy and the strong personal and political bond between the two leaders. “There has been speculation in some quarters, but the PM’s comments appear to put those doubts to rest,” the leader said.
Amit Shah’s political journey has closely paralleled Modi’s rise. He worked with Modi during their time in Gujarat and later led the BJP’s 2014 general election campaign in Uttar Pradesh, where the party won 71 of 80 seats. The success earned Shah the role of BJP national president, succeeding Rajnath Singh, who became the Home Minister at the time.
Architect of BJP’s Expansion
Shah’s tenure as party chief saw the BJP return to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017 after 14 years and expand into new regions like Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. His reputation as a strategic organiser and election planner was widely acknowledged during this phase.
As Home Minister, Shah has led several key initiatives, including the passage of the bill that abrogated Article 370 in 2019. He has also focused on reducing left-wing extremism, cracking down on terror financing, and advancing ideological goals such as the Uniform Civil Code.
At Tuesday’s meeting, PM Modi expressed confidence that left-wing extremism would be eradicated by 2026—a goal closely linked to Shah’s tenure.
Widespread Recognition
Shah’s milestone drew praise from several party leaders. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heartfelt congratulations to Shri @AmitShah ji on becoming the longest-serving Union Home Minister in India’s history. His unwavering resolve, from the abrogation of Article 370 to the firm stand against terrorism, continues to shape New India.”
While the PM’s comments were framed as an endorsement of past achievements, many in political circles see them as signaling the possibility of a larger role for Shah within the party or government in the future.
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