Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, has a close friendship with biochemistry student Amit Shah that dates back to the late 80s. Both men met at an RSS school, an organization that laid the foundations for the conservative BJP party in Gujarat. Over time, Modi and Shah rose to become two of the most powerful figures in Indian politics.
Amit Shah, often referred to as the architect of Modi’s Hindu ultranationalism, played a significant role in securing victories for the BJP in parliamentary elections. Despite criticism for controversial policies such as the deportation of Rohingya refugees and passing exclusionary citizenship laws, his reputation remains marred by a darker past. Nearly two decades ago, he was accused of orchestrating the murder of a Muslim couple in Gujarat, with evidence suggesting that police officers acted under his orders. After spending time in prison and facing allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and murder, charges were eventually dropped amid claims of a political conspiracy.
In 2014, Amit Shah assumed a leadership position within the BJP and served as Home Minister under Narendra Modi. He has remained Modi’s right-hand man ever since. Amit Shah hails from a wealthy upper-caste family in Gujarat and has grown substantially in wealth and influence over the years. With speculation about his future political trajectory growing stronger by the day, many are positioning him as a potential successor to Modi down the line.
Despite his controversial past and ongoing criticism from opposition parties regarding his policies, Amit Shah remains an influential figure in Indian politics today. As India continues to navigate its way through complex issues such as economic growth and national security concerns, Amit Shah’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future direction.
