Amit Shah: The Mastermind Behind Modi’s Political Triumphs
BBC, 4 April 2024: As India anticipates whether Narendra Modi will secure a historic third term as Prime Minister, attention often turns to a less spotlighted yet immensely influential figure by his side. This figure, less discussed but pivotal, continues to shape the extraordinary ascent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through strategic formulation.
Enter Union Home Minister Amit Shah of India, often referred to as the ‘second most powerful’ person in the country. A longstanding close ally of Modi, Shah is known for providing crucial election-centric advice to the Prime Minister and playing a significant role in the BJP’s strategy.
A staunch Hindu nationalist, Shah is revered by his supporters as Amit Bhai, hailed for his organizational prowess and strategic acumen. While he has not ascended to the role of Prime Minister himself, his extraordinary skills as an organizer and strategist have been instrumental in the BJP’s electoral victories.
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Critics, however, contend that Shah has been behind some of India’s most contentious laws, including the revocation of Kashmir’s partial autonomy and the passage of a new citizenship law widely viewed as discriminatory against Muslims.
In interviews with the BBC, Shah’s old friends and colleagues attest to his formidable abilities, describing him as a shrewd politician whose skills are deployed adeptly during elections. Indeed, Shah’s strategic brilliance came to the fore in the 2014 general elections, where the BJP secured unprecedented victories, notably in Uttar Pradesh, where the party won a staggering 71 out of 80 seats.
Lawyer and former BJP politician Jatin Ojha, who has worked closely with Shah, praises his political acumen, likening it to that of the legendary Indian strategist Chanakya. Ojha recalls recognizing Shah’s leadership potential early on, describing him as a horse destined for victory.
Devang Dani, a BJP councilor in Ahmedabad, highlights Shah’s unwavering commitment to securing electoral victories, regardless of the scale of the contest. Shah’s relentless pursuit of victory, Dani asserts, has been instrumental in the BJP’s transformative electoral successes.
Born on October 22, 1964, in Mansa, Gujarat, Shah’s upbringing in a modest household shaped his journey into politics. His rise alongside Modi, from the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the upper echelons of power, underscores his indelible imprint on Indian politics.
As India grapples with the question of who will succeed Modi as Prime Minister, Shah’s name looms large. While he may not openly express ambitions for the top office, his influence within the BJP and his pivotal role in shaping its political trajectory position him as a formidable figure in Indian politics for years to come.
Two wheels of a car
The bond between Narendra Modi and Amit Shah traces back to their early days in Ahmedabad in 1982, where they first crossed paths. Shah, a new member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), encountered Modi, then serving as a propagandist for the RSS. Modi’s counsel to join the ABVP, the student wing of the BJP, set the stage for their enduring association.
As their friendship blossomed, Modi and Shah embarked on parallel trajectories, rising through the ranks of the BJP together. Their symbiotic relationship earned them the moniker “two wheels of a car,” symbolizing their indispensable partnership akin to the legendary duo Rama and Lakshman from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
While Modi captivated the public with his charismatic persona, Shah operated more discreetly, preferring to work behind the scenes. Despite his reserved demeanor, Shah’s strategic acumen and organizational prowess were instrumental in securing victories for the BJP, earning him both admiration and apprehension.
Kingshuk Nag, a veteran journalist, highlights the contrasting personas of Modi and Shah. While Modi thrived in the limelight, Shah excelled in the shadows, meticulously laying the groundwork for electoral triumphs. Despite his low-key approach, Shah’s influence and efficacy were undeniable, inspiring both loyalty and fear among his allies and adversaries alike.
Critics, wary of Shah’s formidable reputation, often refrain from openly discussing him, citing apprehension over his commanding presence and unwavering resolve. For some, Shah’s steely gaze and assertive demeanor evoke a sense of trepidation, underscoring the magnitude of his influence in Indian politics.
Political Upheaval in Gujarat
Amit Shah’s political journey is deeply intertwined with his home state of Gujarat, where he gradually rose to prominence as a key figure in the state’s politics. As Narendra Modi’s close confidant, Shah played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Gujarat and beyond.
RD Desai, a close associate of Shah since 1987, attests to Shah’s acumen in identifying and nurturing talent within the political arena. Shah’s keen eye for potential and his support for young leaders with promise have contributed to his success in building a robust political organization in Gujarat.
Despite his influential position within the party, Shah refrained from contesting elections himself for over a decade and a half after entering politics. Instead, he focused on the arduous task of organization-building, recognizing that a strong foundation was essential for the BJP’s sustained growth and success in Gujarat and beyond. This strategic approach underscores Shah’s commitment to long-term planning and his understanding of the importance of grassroots mobilization in achieving political objectives.
Narendra Modi and Amit Shah: The Mastermind
Amit Shah was first elected as an MLA in Gujarat in 1997. He was then chosen by Modi as a candidate from the Sarkhej constituency. Later, he retained the seat in the elections of 1998, 2002, and 2007. After the constituency was dissolved in 2008, he moved to the neighboring Naranpura seat. Amit did not contest the 2014 general elections. However, in 2019, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Gandhinagar constituency. He is also contesting this year’s Lok Sabha elections from this seat.
The communal riots in Gujarat in February 2002 and the events that followed brought closer relations between Modi and Amit Shah. Official reports stated that more than 1,000 people were killed in the riots, with most of the victims being Muslims. Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time, faced widespread criticism for allegedly not doing enough to prevent the riots and killings.
However, Modi maintains his innocence, and he was acquitted by the court in connection with the case. Following the riots, the BJP won the assembly elections in a divided Gujarat, and Amit Shah was then appointed to various ministerial positions. Several ministries were under his charge.
The Supreme Court reprimanded the state police and counsel for negligence in investigating some cases related to the Gujarat riots, and it ordered the transfer of the trial of two cases out of Gujarat. The state police and consuls worked under Amit Shah’s home ministry. The Gujarat government also admitted in court that there were some “errors” by the state police in registering the cases and in taking statements from witnesses.
Amit Shah’s role in the riots has been the subject of accusations over the years. However, he has consistently denied those allegations. Despite this, there has never been a proper investigation into the allegations leveled against him.
Murder Charges and Imprisonment
In 2008, Amit Shah was accused of extrajudicially killing Muslim civilians Sohrab Uddin Sheikh and his wife Kausar Bai in 2005. However, Amit denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated. He was arrested in 2010 on charges of murder and kidnapping. His arrest came as a setback, as until then, there was speculation that he would succeed Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. However, this did not materialize, and he had to resign from the post of Home Minister of Gujarat. He remained in jail for more than three months.
Amit Shah’s bail plea was granted by the court, which ordered him to leave Gujarat to prevent any influence on the witnesses in the case.
In December 2014, six months after Narendra Modi was elected Prime Minister of India, a court acquitted Amit Shah in the case. Justice MB Gosabi stated that he accepted that the charges against Amit Shah were politically motivated.
Politics of Partition
Like his leader and mentor, Amit Shah often talks about correcting ‘historical wrongs’. According to them, the ‘mistakes’ started from the time of India’s independence in 1947.
He sought to right the so-called ‘wrongs’ by revoking Kashmir’s special status and enacting the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The law has also been condemned by the international community. Its enactment has led to an increase in violence against Muslims in India.
In 2019, he referred to illegal Muslim migrants as ‘termites’ and threatened to ‘throw them into the Bay of Bengal’. Human rights activists around the world and the US State Department criticized Amit Shah for this.
Amit Shah regularly uses ‘us and them’ rhetoric in election rallies, with the ‘them’ often referring to Muslims. Jatin Ojha believes that this reflects Amit Shah’s personal beliefs.
Oja said, ‘I really don’t know why this happened. But I saw it from the first day I met him. And to this day, his anger, his prejudice, and his resentment towards Muslims remain the same. His policy of hatred and exclusion remains firm and rigid.’
The BBC sought a statement from Amit Shah’s office regarding these claims, but no response was received. However, Amit Shah’s childhood friend Sudhir Darji disagrees with Jatin Oja’s statement. Sudhir said that Amit never said or did anything against Muslims, and his goal is to move forward together with everyone.
Allegations of Corruption
Narendra Modi and Amit Shah often accuse their rivals of corruption. However, in 2017, Amit Shah’s only son and businessman Jay Amit Shah was accused of corruption. The news website The Wire published a report on his alleged corruption.
It was claimed that Jay Amit Shah’s business increased 16 thousand times after the BJP came to power. Both the father and son have denied these allegations. The Wire was sued, with the report being called false and defamatory. However, the case has yet to be resolved.
In January 2021, opposition leaders accused Amit Shah of nepotism after his son was appointed as the secretary of the Cricket Board of India.
While Amit Shah defended his son, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained silent. Some observers interpret this silence as indicative of Amit Shah’s importance to Modi.
Future Prime Minister of India?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at 73 years old, remains physically fit. Consequently, it’s unlikely that Amit Shah’s ascension to the role of Prime Minister within the BJP would be imminent. However, speculation often arises regarding who might succeed Modi, and Amit Shah’s name frequently emerges in these discussions.
Amit Shah, currently 60 years old, serves as the Union Home Minister. Despite his prominence, he has faced health issues in recent years.
Notably, Amit Shah has never openly expressed a desire to become Prime Minister. Given his extensive partnership with Narendra Modi spanning over four decades, many believe he wouldn’t vie for the position.
Journalist Kingshuk Nag described Shah as “Modi’s right-hand man and commander-in-chief,” indicating a strong bond of trust between them. Consequently, it seems unlikely that Shah would seek to surpass Modi in leadership within the BJP.