PM Modi Hails Amit Shah as Longest-Serving Home Minister, Hints at Bigger Role: ‘This Is Just the Beginning’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded Union Home Minister Amit Shah for becoming the longest-serving home minister in India’s history, calling his tenure a significant milestone — but also suggesting that it may be “just the beginning” of a larger journey for the influential BJP leader.

Speaking at the NDA parliamentary party meeting, PM Modi praised Shah’s leadership and noted that he had now surpassed the record of BJP veteran L.K. Advani, who held the post from March 1998 to May 2004.

“Yeh to abhi shuruwat hai… abhi aur aage jaana hai (This is just the beginning… there is still a long way to go),” Modi said, according to sources present at the meeting.

The remark has sparked widespread speculation within BJP circles, with many interpreting it as more than just appreciation — possibly hinting at a greater role for the 60-year-old Shah within the party or the government’s future roadmap.

Historic Tenure and Key Achievements

As of this week, Shah has completed 2,258 days in office, overtaking Advani’s 2,256-day tenure. Only Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, held the position for a notable period — 1,218 days — before the BJP era.

In a post on X, the BJP celebrated Shah’s milestone, highlighting key moments of his tenure:

“Union Home Minister 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.”

Shah has also overseen the passage of significant legislation, including the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the push for a Uniform Civil Code — long-standing ideological objectives of the BJP and its parent organization, the RSS.

Inside the Party: A Signal of Clarity

A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Prime Minister’s words were both symbolic and strategic.

“It reinforces the strong working relationship between Modi and Shah and clarifies the internal hierarchy for anyone who had doubts. The message is loud and clear.”

Shah’s long-standing association with Modi dates back to their time in Gujarat, and he played a key role in shaping BJP’s historic 2014 victory, particularly through his social engineering strategy in Uttar Pradesh. Later that year, he succeeded Rajnath Singh as the party president.

Organisational Strength and Electoral Impact

Shah’s leadership was instrumental in reviving the BJP in states where it previously had limited presence. His election strategies helped the party win in Uttar Pradesh (2017), as well as Assam, Manipur, and Tripura, laying the foundation for its pan-India expansion.

The Prime Minister, in his address, also expressed confidence that left-wing extremism would be eliminated by 2026 — a goal Shah has prioritized during his tenure.

Party Reacts

The PM’s remarks triggered a wave of congratulatory messages from party leaders. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X:

“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.”

As the 2029 general elections approach and BJP charts its long-term leadership strategy, Modi’s words may well be the first public signal that Shah remains central to the party’s vision for India’s future — not just as Home Minister, but possibly in a bigger role yet to unfold.