Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs on Tuesday, praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for becoming the longest-serving home minister in India’s history. Modi said this achievement was “just the beginning” for Shah, sparking speculation within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about Shah possibly taking on a larger role in the future.
During the meeting, Modi mentioned that Shah had now surpassed LK Advani’s tenure and was quoted as saying, “Yeh to abhi shuruwat hai… abhi aur aage jaana hai” (This is just the beginning… he has a long way to go).
Amit Shah Surpasses Advani’s Record
Modi’s statement came after Shah officially crossed 2,258 days in office, overtaking LK Advani’s 2,256-day tenure as home minister. Before both, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister, held the position for 1,218 days.
Highlighting Shah’s milestone, the BJP posted on X, “With 2,258 days in office, he has now surpassed Lal Krishna Advani’s tenure… Amit Shah’s tenure has been marked by bold, historic decisions — from the abrogation of Article 370 to a firm crackdown on terrorism and strengthening of internal security.”
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BJP Insiders See Modi’s Praise as More Than Just Appreciation
A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, said Modi’s comments not only affirmed the close relationship between the two leaders but also clarified the party’s internal hierarchy. According to him, “There is a section of people who have been speculating about some issues including the hierarchy …but the PM’s statement seems to have put that perception to rest.”
Shah’s Long Track Record with Modi
Shah has worked with Modi for years, beginning during their time together in Gujarat. In 2014, Shah led the BJP’s campaign in Uttar Pradesh, where the party won 71 of 80 seats, largely credited to his strategic planning and social engineering. That same year, he replaced Rajnath Singh as the BJP president, after Singh was appointed home minister.
Recognition of His Work and Ideological Alignment
A second senior BJP leader noted that Modi’s public endorsement was a sign of Shah’s capabilities and trustworthiness. He said, “The PM’s endorsement is a recognition of his (Shah’s) capacity and capability.” He further pointed out Shah’s achievements, saying he has been “credited with reducing left wing extremism, clamping down on terror financing” and that he has pushed forward key ideological initiatives, including Article 370 abrogation and the Uniform Civil Code.
The leader also described Shah as someone who is “rooted in the Sangh’s ideology and pragmatic in his political decision making.”
Confident Outlook on Ending Left-Wing Extremism
At the NDA meeting, Modi also said he was confident that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) would be eliminated by 2026, further praising Shah’s efforts on internal security matters.
Shah’s Role in BJP’s National Expansion
Shah played a critical role in the BJP’s return to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017 after 14 years. His strategic leadership helped the party expand its base across India, including breakthroughs in Assam, Manipur, and Tripura — regions where the BJP had previously struggled.
Steering Key Legislation Through Parliament
As home minister, Shah has led several important legislative moves, most notably steering the 2019 bill that nullified Article 370, effectively removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Modi’s comments led to a wave of congratulations on social media. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X, “Heartfelt congratulations to Shri @amitshah ji on becoming the longest-serving Union Home Minister in India’s history.” He added that Shah’s leadership, from “the abrogation of Article 370 to the firm stand against terrorism, continues to shape New India,” and wished him strength in “building #ViksitBharat.”
