Amit Shah’s Legacy as Home Minister of India

In a major political milestone, Amit Shah, the current Home Minister of India, became the longest-serving Home Minister of India on August 6, 2025. He surpassed senior BJP leader L.K. Advani by completing over 2,258 days in office since his appointment on May 30, 2019.

This development is highly relevant for SSC aspirants as it reflects not just a political shift but a period of internal security consolidation, legislative reforms, and governance transformation under Shah’s leadership.

Amit Shah: Political Background and Career Timeline

Amit Shah, a key strategist of the BJP and trusted ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a decisive role in Indian politics for over two decades.

• Joined the BJP in the 1980s.

• Rose to prominence in Gujarat during the Modi-led state government.

• Elected to the Lok Sabha from Gandhinagar in 2019.

• Appointed as the Home Minister of India on May 30, 2019.

Q. How long has Amit Shah been Home Minister?

Ans. As of August 6, 2025, he has served for 2,258+ days, making him the longest-serving Home Minister of India.

Key Achievements of Amit Shah as Home Minister of India

As the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah has made several bold moves that reshaped India’s internal security and political landscape.

1. Revocation of Article 370

• One of the most impactful decisions was the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which removed the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.

• This move redefined the region’s political structure and brought it directly under central governance.

• The Home Minister of India played a direct role in pushing this constitutional change.

2. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA)

• The CAA was introduced and passed under Shah’s leadership. It aimed to offer Indian citizenship to minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

• This law sparked nationwide debates about the NRC, constitutional rights, and religious equality.

3. Criminal Law Reforms

• Amit Shah initiated landmark reforms in India’s criminal justice system, aiming to modernize colonial-era laws and ensure speedy justice, especially in cases related to women, children, and national security.

• These actions strengthened the legal arm of the Home Ministry of India and improved law enforcement processes.

4. Crackdown on Left-Wing Extremism

• Under his direction, there was a notable decline in Maoist activities and insurgencies.

• Enhanced policing, surveillance, and better coordination among intelligence units were key achievements of the Home Minister of India in this domain.

Top 10 Longest-Serving Home Ministers of India

Why This Is Important for SSC Aspirants

Understanding the role of the Home Minister of India is crucial for SSC exams, especially in the General Awareness and Polity sections.

Key Responsibilities of the Home Minister of India:

• Internal security

• Law and order enforcement

• Border management

• Disaster management

• Counter-terrorism operations

Amit Shah, as the Home Minister of India, has focused extensively on these areas, enhancing the country's national security architecture.

Important Exam Points About Amit Shah

• Full Name: Amit Anilchandra Shah

• Current Position: Home Minister of India (Since May 30, 2019)

• Longest Tenure: Surpassed L.K. Advani on August 6, 2025

• Major Reforms: Article 370, CAA, Criminal Law Changes

• Political Affiliation: BJP Leader

• Lok Sabha Constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

These facts are essential for one-liner current affairs, MCQs, and descriptive answer writing in competitive exams.

Final Thoughts

The journey of Amit Shah as the Home Minister of India reflects a period of strong leadership, impactful legislation, and decisive national policy-making. His tenure has been marked by bold constitutional moves such as the revocation of Article 370 and the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, both of which have left a lasting imprint on the country's governance framework.

Becoming the longest-serving Home Minister of India is not just a record of time, but a reflection of the trust placed in him by the government and the stability he brought to internal affairs. His approach to internal security, law enforcement, and legislative reform showcases his significant influence on shaping India's internal policy landscape.

As India continues to evolve politically and socially, the legacy of Amit Shah’s time in office will remain a critical chapter in the story of modern Indian governance.