Amit Anil Chandra Shah is a businessman-turned-politician and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. He became the Minister of Home Affairs in 2019 and is also the first Minister of Co-operation of India. Shah has served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2014 to 2020. Amit Shah is an important figure in the current government and has been an important advisor to PM Narendra Modi.
He was born on October 22, 1964, in Mumbai to Anil Chandra Shah, who was a businessman and Kusumben Shah. Shah is married to Sonal Shah and the couple has a son named Jay. Shah was introduced to politics at a relatively early age, working with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since he was a young child. Shah had a degree in biochemistry from CU Shah Science College and experience in the finance industry working as a stockbroker before beginning a serious career in politics.
With the rise of Modi, Shah gained recognition as the man to form his highly successful, pro-Hindu nationalist election strategy and the duo has become the face of the BJP.
Shah has fought 29 elections since 1989, including various local body polls and has not lost any to this day. He was elected as an MLA from Gujarat’s Sarkhej in four consecutive elections, i.e. 1997 (by-election), 1998, 2002 and 2007.
His official Twitter handle is @AmitShah and the name of his official Facebook page is Amit Shah. He is also active on Instagram, under the username amitshahofficial.
This special report covers the tragic temple stampede in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district that claimed nine lives, sparking a political firestorm between the government and the opposition. The YSRCP has alleged the tragedy 'is not a result of unforeseen circumstances, but a direct consequence of calculated negligence'. The incident occurred at the privately constructed Kashi-Bhuga-Venkateshwara Swami Temple during the auspicious Kartika Masam Ekadashi celebration. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that police were not informed about the large gathering, which prevented crowd control measures. The opposition YSRCP, however, has slammed the TDP-led government, holding it accountable for what they term a failure of governance and divided attention. This report delves into the administrative lapses and the political fallout of the tragedy.
In this India Today special report, the focus is on the escalating political battle in Bihar with Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, taking on CM Nitish Kumar and the BJP. Tejashwi Yadav makes a stunning claim that 'He [Nitish Kumar] is no longer running Bihar. He has been hijacked. Modi and Amit Shah are running Bihar from Delhi; Nitish Kumar has merely been made a puppet.' The RJD leader details his electoral promises, including the ambitious plan for one government job per household, arguing it is a well-researched pledge and not a 'jumla'. He counters the NDA's 'Jungle Raj' allegations by pointing to recent NCRB data and challenges the ruling coalition on its 20-year record on unemployment, migration, and law and order.
In this special report, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launches a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP. Yadav predicts that the BJP will not allow Nitish Kumar to return as Chief Minister if the NDA wins the upcoming assembly elections, and alleges that the state is effectively being run from Delhi by Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. According to Tejashwi, ‘Bihar wo nahi chala rahe AB wo hijack hoge Modi aur Amit Shah Jo hai Delhi baithh karke wo Bihar chala de Nitish Kumar Ji ko keval putla bana diya yeh’ (He is not running Bihar now, he has been hijacked. Modi and Amit Shah are running Bihar from Delhi, they have made Nitish Kumar Ji a mere puppet). The interview also delves into Tejashwi Yadav's allegations of vote theft in the 2020 elections, his vision for a 'Naya Bihar', the challenge from Prashant Kishor, and the comparison with his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The focus of this special report is on the escalating political battle in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections, with RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav launching a sharp attack on the NDA's newly released poll manifesto. Lalu Yadav tweeted, 'those who do not even have the time to read their manifesto cannot possibly implement that manifesto'. The NDA's 'Sankalp Patra' promises over one crore jobs and significant industrial development in the state. In response, Lalu Yadav has expressed confidence in his Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), stating that the people of Bihar have rejected the NDA's promises and are firm on choosing a government led by the alliance, which has also made substantial pledges on employment and social welfare.
This special report focuses on the escalating political battle in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, particularly the ambiguity surrounding Nitish Kumar's chief ministerial candidacy within the NDA. Political strategist Amitabh Tiwari states, 'there is a large section of voters within the BJP, within the BJP specifically, as per our survey, one third of BJP voters, who do not want to see Nitish as CM after this election.' The programme delves into the NDA's recently released 'Sankalp Patra' and the opposition's charge that its promise of one crore jobs is a copy of their agenda. With leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah making statements that are seen as tactically ambiguous, analysts debate whether this strategy could backfire by creating confusion among the voters of the five-party NDA alliance, or if it is a calculated move to placate different voter blocs within the coalition.
On the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Rashtriya Ekta Divas celebrations at the Statue of Unity, launching a sharp attack on past Congress governments and Jawaharlal Nehru over national security and Kashmir. The Prime Minister alleged that Sardar Patel wanted to integrate all of Kashmir, but ‘Nehru Ji did not let his wish be fulfilled’. During his address, Modi accused the Congress of adopting a weak approach that led to a part of Kashmir falling under Pakistan's occupation and fostering terrorism. He asserted that his government has decisively tackled Naxalism and terrorism, stating that India now strikes its enemies within their territory. Tributes were also paid by President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the national capital. The Prime Minister also inaugurated development projects worth nearly ₹1220 crore in Kevadia.
This special report unpacks the high-stakes political battle in Bihar, focusing on the leadership question within the NDA and the electoral promises of the Mahagathbandhan, featuring JDU's KC Tyagi and RJD's Mrityunjay Tiwari. ‘In the battlefield of politics…captains are not changed. Captain Nitish Kumar is, was, and will remain,’ states JDU leader KC Tyagi, dismissing speculation about the NDA's chief ministerial face. The debate intensifies as questions are raised over statements by the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, which created ambiguity about Nitish Kumar's leadership. The discussion also covers the RJD's defence of Tejashwi Yadav's promise of 10 lakh jobs, a claim Tyagi refutes as an 'unconstitutional' and 'laughable' move made without the Chief Minister's consent. This exchange highlights the deep-seated rivalry and strategic positioning of the two major alliances ahead of the state elections.
This special report focuses on the grand celebrations for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced, 'from this year onward, a grand parade will be held on every 31st October'. The event, Rashtriya Ekta Divas, for the first time features a moving parade on the lines of the Republic Day parade, with contingents from various states and central police forces. Highlights include tableaus from ten states, a fly-past by the Suryakiran aerobatic team, and all-women led contingents. The festivities are set to continue with 'Bharat Parv' from November 1 to 15, and padayatras to honour the Iron Man of India.
This special report focuses on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading celebrations at the Statue of Unity, and the political controversy ignited by Home Minister Amit Shah. In a blistering attack, Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of trying to erase Patel from history, stating India's 'Iron Man' was denied his due for decades after independence. The day, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Divas, was marked by a grand 'Unity Parade' in Kevadia, Gujarat, which Shah announced will now be an annual event. The celebrations also include a 'Run for Unity' across the nation and a 15-day 'Bharat Parv' to showcase tribal culture, reaffirming the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led nationwide 'Run for Unity' events. Attacking previous governments, Amit Shah stated, 'But, the then Congress governments did not give Sardar Sahab his due respect, it took 41 years to give him the Bharat Ratna, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna after 41 years.' The special report covers the grand celebrations, including the Ekta Parade at the Statue of Unity, a project initiated by PM Modi to honour the 'Iron Man of India'. The event also highlighted Patel's pivotal role in integrating over 500 princely states into the Indian union and how the abrogation of Article 370 was portrayed as the completion of his vision for a truly unified India.
This special report focuses on the nationwide celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 'Iron Man of India'. Key figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are leading the tributes, with significant events planned in the national capital and at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. As stated in the report, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi… will be visiting the statue of Unity on this very occasion in Gujarat to honor the legacy of the iron man.' The day, also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), commemorates Sardar Patel's monumental contribution to integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. The celebrations include a grand parade at Ekta Nagar, which will now be an annual event, and various cultural programs.
This special report covers the 150th birth anniversary of India's Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, marked by major announcements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a blistering political attack by Home Minister Amit Shah on the Congress. Speaking in Patna, Shah accused the opposition of sidelining Patel's legacy, stating, 'Durbhagy Ki baat hai ke ajadi ke baad Sardar Patel ke nidhan ke baad Sardar Patel ko bulane Mein Congress party ne koi kasar Mein [chorri]'. On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Divas, PM Modi inaugurated development projects worth over ₹1,200 crore in Kevadia and released a special ₹150 coin and stamp to commemorate the occasion. Further, Amit Shah announced that a grand national parade, similar to the Republic Day parade, will now be held annually on October 31st at Ekta Nagar, which will also host a 15-day 'Ek Bharat Parv' to celebrate national unity.
This special report on India First examines the Delhi Police's affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding the 2020 Delhi riots. The affidavit opposes bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, alleging the riots were part of "coordinated regime change operations" planned to destabilize the government and tarnish India's global image during US President Donald Trump's 2020 visit. The police claim the riots were a pre-planned conspiracy, presenting video evidence where an accused discusses cutting off India's North-East. The program also covers the legal debate over UAPA charges and arguments concerning trial delays and due process. Concurrently, the report details a Mumbai hostage crisis where Rohit Arya held 17 children captive in a Powai studio before being fatally shot by police. Arya had released a video, claiming he was denied credit for a school improvement concept by the Maharashtra government. Additionally, the broadcast features the military's tri-services Exercise Trishul 2025, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force in Gujarat and Rajasthan, highlighting its strategic significance. A political discussion initiated by Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's legacy ahead of his 150th birth anniversary is also included.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's political flashpoint with the Congress party over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ahead of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Speaking in Patna for Patel's 150th birth anniversary, Shah claimed, 'After Sardar Patel's death, the Congress tried to erase his legacy. It took 41 years to give him the Bharat Ratna.' . He accused the Congress of denying India's Iron Man his due for decades, while crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring him with the Statue of Unity. . Shah also announced major commemorative events, including an annual grand national parade in Ekta Nagar on October 31, a nationwide 'Run for Unity', and a 15-day 'Ek Bharat Parv' to celebrate tribal culture. . The report covers the historical context of Patel's role in integrating over 550 princely states into India. .
On this Special Report, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's political flashpoint with the Congress party over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ahead of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Speaking in Patna for Patel's 150th birth anniversary, Shah claimed, 'After Sardar Patel's death, the Congress tried to erase his legacy. It took 41 years to give him the Bharat Ratna.' . He accused the Congress of denying India's Iron Man his due for decades, while crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring him with the Statue of Unity. . Shah also announced major commemorative events, including an annual grand national parade in Ekta Nagar on October 31, a nationwide 'Run for Unity', and a 15-day 'Ek Bharat Parv' to celebrate tribal culture. . The report covers the historical context of Patel's role in integrating over 550 princely states into India. .
The political temperature in Bihar soars as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi trade blows on the campaign trail. This special report covers the war of words, including PM Modi's '5K' slogan—Katta, Krurtha, Katutha, Kushaasan, and Corruption—aimed at the RJD-Congress alliance, and the massive controversy over Chhath Pooja. The rhetoric intensified after Rahul Gandhi's comment where he said, '...aap unko kaho ki dekho bhaiya hum aapko vote denge aap stage par aa ke nach lo woh nach le'. PM Modi hit back, accusing the opposition of insulting the faith of Biharis for votes. The report also touches on Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the government over the polluted Yamuna river, all while the state heads for crucial polls.
This special report focuses on the escalating war of words in the Bihar elections, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on multiple fronts. The discussion covers the political fallout from Gandhi's remarks calling the Prime Minister's Chhath Puja observance 'drama', which drew sharp rebuttals from PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. A key quote from the transcript attributes this challenge to Rahul Gandhi: 'The Prime Minister must speak on Trump and Trump's Operation Sindoor role.' This refers to Gandhi questioning the Prime Minister's silence over claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding an Indian military operation. The report, featuring inputs from Rohit Singh in Patna, explores how national, religious, and even international issues have become central to the campaign rhetoric in the high-stakes battle for Bihar.
This special report focuses on a fiery political speech in Bihar, making stunning allegations against the state government under Nitish Kumar and the central government led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. The speaker claims, 'if someone goes to a Bihar hospital for treatment, they don't come back alive. They die there.' The address further alleges that Nitish Kumar's government is remote-controlled by the BJP and Nagpur. It highlights the creation of 'Two Indias,' citing an instance of a special clean water pond being made for the Prime Minister's bath in the Yamuna while Delhi struggles for clean water. The speech also includes serious accusations of cronyism, stating that land is taken from farmers and given to industrialists like Adani for a nominal sum of one rupee in Bihar, and mentions the Dharavi redevelopment in Maharashtra.
This special report focuses on the political dynamics in Bihar after Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the Chief Minister's post, featuring an interview with JDU Working President Sanjay Jha. The central point of discussion is that 'Home Minister Amit Shah said in his rally in Bihar that there is no vacancy for Chief Minister in Bihar.' In response, Sanjay Jha asserts there was never any confusion, affirming Nitish Kumar as the undisputed leader of the NDA alliance for the upcoming state elections. Jha counters criticisms of Kumar being 'fragile' or 'ailing,' stating the Chief Minister recently conducted seven public meetings in a single day entirely by road. He dismisses opposition claims about BJP controlling the JDU and predicts a 'landslide' victory for the NDA.
A political firestorm has erupted over remarks on Chhath Puja, with Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The controversy ignited after Gandhi, at a Bihar rally, allegedly termed PM Modi's planned participation in Chhath rituals in Delhi a 'drama'. 'Rahul Baba, what do you think? The importance of Chhatt Pooja, the faith of the whole country towards Chhatt Pooja, you will not be able to understand,' Amit Shah stated, directly targeting Gandhi. The BJP has framed Gandhi's comments, which questioned the creation of a separate artificial pond for the PM, as an insult to the sacred festival, Chhath Maiya, and the sentiments of people from Bihar and Purvanchal. The Congress leader's original comments were reportedly a critique of what he saw as a political stunt, contrasting a specially prepared pond with the polluted Yamuna river where other devotees perform rituals.
