India’s Longest-Serving Home Minister and Architect of a New India
I Ahmed Wani
In a historic milestone, Amit Shah has become India’s longest-serving Union Home Minister, clocking an impressive 2,258 days in office and surpassing the record previously set by BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani, who served for 2,256 days. Often hailed as a modern-day Chanakya for his strategic brilliance and political foresight, Shah has emerged as a towering figure in Indian politics, second only to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in influence and impact. His tenure, marked by bold reforms, transformative policies, and an unwavering commitment to national unity, has redefined the role of the Home Ministry and cemented his legacy as a key architect of a resurgent India.
At the age of 54, Shah assumed charge of the Union Home Ministry in 2019, becoming one of the youngest leaders to helm this critical portfolio. His tenure has been defined by landmark decisions that have reshaped India’s internal security and political landscape. Most notably, Shah spearheaded the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, a historic move that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, integrating the region more fully into the Indian Union. This decision, executed with precision and resolve, fulfilled a long-standing promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and marked a turning point in India’s approach to the region. Shah’s ability to navigate the complex socio-political dynamics of this decision showcased his strategic acumen and earned him widespread acclaim among supporters.
Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, Shah’s leadership has brought unprecedented stability to India’s volatile Northeast. Under his stewardship, the Home Ministry has signed 12 peace accords with various insurgent groups, leading to the surrender of over 10,000 armed militants. For instance, the 2020 Bodo Accord in Assam resolved decades of ethnic conflict, paving the way for peace and development in the Bodoland region. Similarly, the 2023 agreement with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) marked a significant step toward ending insurgency in Assam. These accords reflect Shah’s pragmatic approach to conflict resolution, blending diplomacy with a firm commitment to national security.
Shah’s journey to the pinnacle of Indian politics is as remarkable as his achievements in office. A seasoned strategist, he first rose to prominence as Gujarat’s Home Minister during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister. His reputation as a master tactician was solidified during his time as the BJP’s national president, a role he assumed in 2014 at the age of 49, making him the youngest to hold the position. Under his leadership, the BJP expanded its electoral footprint, securing historic victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. Shah’s meticulous planning and grassroots mobilization transformed the party into a formidable political force, earning him the moniker of the BJP’s “election machine.”
In 2019, Shah made his electoral debut in the Lok Sabha, winning the prestigious Gandhinagar constituency in Gujarat—a seat once represented by L.K. Advani. This victory was not just a personal triumph but a symbolic passing of the baton, as Shah stepped into the shoes of one of the BJP’s tallest leaders. His ability to connect with voters, coupled with his organizational prowess, has made him indispensable to the party’s long-term vision.
Now 60, Amit Shah’s enduring tenure as Home Minister is a testament to his unrelenting work ethic, sharp political instincts, and steadfast loyalty to the BJP’s ideology. His policies have not only strengthened India’s internal security but also advanced the government’s vision of a unified and prosperous “New India.” From implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to modernizing the country’s internal security framework, Shah’s contributions have been both bold and far-reaching.
As India navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Amit Shah’s legacy as a transformative leader continues to grow. His record-breaking tenure is not just a milestone but a reflection of his ability to turn vision into reality, ensuring that India’s security and unity remain at the forefront of the national agenda. With his strategic brilliance and unyielding resolve, Shah has etched his name not only in the annals of Indian politics but also in the hearts of millions who see in him the promise of a stronger, more cohesive nation.
