Amit Shah birthday: Gujarat leaders praise internal security, drug-free India push
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Jagdish Vishwakarma on Thursday, 22 October extended birthday greetings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underlining his contributions to internal security, anti-narcotics efforts, and the cooperative sector.
CM Patel's tribute on X
Chief Minister Patel, in a post on social media platform X, described Shah as a son of Gujarat and the public-oriented Member of Parliament from Gandhinagar. Patel credited the Home Minister's 'zero tolerance' policy on crime with reinforcing law and order across the country and advancing the goal of a drug-free India.
'Heartfelt birthday wishes to Amit Shah, Gujarat's illustrious son, the public-oriented Member of Parliament from Gandhinagar and the country's distinguished Home and Cooperation Minister, who has strengthened India's internal security and transformed the country's cooperative sector,' Patel said. He also invoked blessings from Somnath Mahadev for Shah's health and long life, and noted that Gujarat had continued to benefit from Shah's guidance and support.
Deputy CM Sanghavi highlights unity and sovereignty
Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi emphasised Shah's commitment to safeguarding national unity and sovereignty alongside the internal security agenda. 'Your decisive leadership and steadfast resolve in upholding the nation's interests continue to motivate countless Karyakartas like me to work with greater dedication and commitment towards the service of Bharat,' Sanghavi said in his birthday message. He also wished the Home Minister good health and the strength to continue serving the country.
BJP state chief credits Shah for Article 370, anti-Naxal drive
State BJP president Vishwakarma described Shah as a 'skilled strategist' and a symbol of determined leadership. He specifically credited Shah's leadership for the abrogation of Article 370 and the sustained campaign against Naxalism, saying the morale of India's security forces had 'reached new heights' under his watch.
Vishwakarma also highlighted Shah's role as Union Minister of Cooperation, arguing that the transformation of the cooperative sector was contributing to rural growth and helping lift people out of poverty. He added that India was moving towards its goal of becoming drug-free under Shah's stewardship.
Wider context
The birthday messages from three of Gujarat's most prominent BJP figures reflect the political significance attached to Shah in the state, where he has served as Member of Parliament from Gandhinagar since 2019. As Home Minister, Shah has been the face of several flagship security and governance measures, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the ongoing anti-Naxal offensive in central India. His dual charge as Minister of Cooperation — a portfolio created in 2021 — has added an economic dimension to his political profile.