Amit Shah’s Political Journey: From a Young MLA to a Towering Home Minister
The North Block on Raisina Hill, home to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, is a space shrouded in power and secrecy. This grand building, with its labyrinthine corridors and shadowed rooms, carries the legacy of the country’s first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His vision and influence still define the role of his successors, casting a long shadow on the office. Among those who have occupied this esteemed position, Amit Shah stands out as a dynamic figure whose journey from a grassroots politician to a central leader has been nothing short of remarkable.
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The Contrast Between Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah
Amit Shah’s immediate predecessor in the Home Ministry, Rajnath Singh, was a practitioner of consensual politics, aligning himself with the ideals of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Singh, a two-time BJP president and a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was a senior figure who preferred diplomacy over confrontation. During the first term of the Narendra Modi government, Singh, by virtue of seniority, was the de jure No. 2, even chairing cabinet meetings in the Prime Minister’s absence. However, his style was notably understated, avoiding the trappings of power.
In stark contrast, Amit Shah brought a commanding presence to the role. Known for his decisive and assertive style, Shah ensured his authority was felt across the corridors of power. As a former bureaucrat noted, “Rajnath ji was approachable and amiable. With Shah, you sense the weight of his influence the moment you step into his chamber.”
The Modi-Shah Duo: A Power Partnership
Amit Shah’s rise in Indian politics is closely tied to his long-standing relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This partnership dates back to the 1980s during their days in Gujarat’s BJP unit. While Modi served as the state secretary, Shah was a young activist with a sharp political mind. Over the years, their dynamic evolved into a formidable political alliance characterized by strategic thinking and relentless ambition.
Though Shah initially appeared to be Modi’s dependable lieutenant, his capabilities as a strategist and executor soon became evident. Their contrasting personalities complemented each other, driving their shared ambition for political dominance. Whether as a “good cop” or “bad cop,” Shah consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to the situation at hand.
Early Political Lessons: Crafting Strategy and Winning Elections
Amit Shah’s knack for strategy and resourcefulness became evident during his college days as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In a college election, Shah faced a challenging opponent from the Congress-affiliated National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Sensing the potential advantage his female rival might hold due to significant female voter representation, Shah devised an unconventional plan.
In a pre-mobile era, he and his team accessed phone numbers from directories and made calls to the parents of female students, warning them of potential disturbances on voting day. The tactic succeeded in reducing the female voter turnout, allowing Shah to narrowly win. This early experience showcased his ingenuity and determination to secure victory, qualities that would later define his political career.
Challenging the 1998 Nuclear Tests
One of the most intriguing anecdotes from Shah’s early political career occurred in 1998 when he was a first-time MLA in the Gujarat Assembly. During this time, India was preparing for a landmark decision—the nuclear tests under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Shah, despite being a novice legislator, voiced strong opposition to the move, fearing its long-term consequences.
In a letter to Vajpayee, Shah argued that the nuclear tests could prompt Pakistan to conduct its own tests, negating India’s strategic advantage and complicating efforts to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Vajpayee, intrigued by this bold critique from a young politician, invited Shah for a meeting. Despite the Prime Minister’s towering stature, Shah stood firm in his convictions, presenting his perspective with clarity and confidence.
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This incident not only highlighted Shah’s willingness to question established norms but also underscored his deep-rooted belief in the RSS’s vision of “Akhand Bharat” (Undivided India). As one of Shah’s party colleagues remarked, “With Amit bhai, it is always nation and ideology first. He defends his beliefs unwaveringly, regardless of the opposition.”
Amit Shah’s Legacy and Leadership
Over the years, Shah has built a reputation as a master strategist, skilled in both electoral management and administrative governance. His tenure as the BJP president saw the party expand its footprint across India, achieving historic electoral victories. As Home Minister, he has tackled critical issues, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing his resolve to align governance with his ideological vision.