Amit Shahbecomes Indiaslongest-servinghomeministersurpasses Advanisrecord

Published in House and Home on Tuesday, August 5th 2025 at 10:46 GMT by newsbytesapp.com
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Amit Shah has become India's longest-serving Union Minister of Home Affairs, surpassing Lal Krishna Advani's previous record.

The Weight of Security: Amit Shah Surpasses L.K. Advani as India’s Longest-Serving Home Minister

Amit Shah's ascent within the Indian political landscape has been nothing short of meteoric. Now, he holds a record that underscores his enduring influence and solidified position at the apex of power – surpassing Lal Krishna Advani to become India’s longest-serving home minister. This milestone, achieved on November 20, 2023, marks a significant moment not just for Shah personally, but also for the trajectory of Indian governance and the evolving role of the Home Ministry itself. The Newsbytes article highlights this achievement while delving into the context surrounding it, examining the contrasting styles and legacies of both leaders, and considering the implications for India's internal security apparatus under Shah’s stewardship.

Lal Krishna Advani, a veteran of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a pivotal figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, previously held the record for longest tenure as Home Minister, serving from 2003 to 2006. While his time was impactful, marked by initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission and efforts towards police modernization, Shah’s reign has been considerably longer – stretching back to May 2019 and continuing uninterrupted. This extended period allows for a deeper, more sustained impact on policy implementation and institutional reform within the Home Ministry.

The article emphasizes that this isn't merely about numbers; it's about the profound responsibility vested in the office of the Home Minister. The Home Ministry oversees internal security, law enforcement, disaster management, prisons, civil defense, and immigration – a vast portfolio impacting every facet of Indian life. Shah’s tenure has coincided with a period of heightened complexity and evolving threats, both internal and external, making his prolonged service particularly noteworthy.

A key distinction drawn in the article lies in the contrasting leadership styles of Advani and Shah. Advani, often perceived as a more ideologically driven leader rooted in traditional Hindu nationalism, operated within a coalition government for much of his tenure. This necessitated compromise and negotiation, shaping his approach to policy formulation and implementation. He was known for his measured pronouncements and a certain degree of deference towards established norms.

Shah, on the other hand, has served under a single, dominant party – the BJP – with an overwhelming majority in Parliament. This provides him with significantly greater political capital and freedom to pursue his agenda without the constraints of coalition politics. He is characterized by a more assertive and decisive leadership style, often described as pragmatic and results-oriented. The article suggests that this difference in political context has fundamentally shaped their respective approaches to the Home Ministry’s responsibilities.

Shah's tenure has been defined by several significant policy initiatives and shifts in approach. A cornerstone of his strategy has been a focus on strengthening internal security through enhanced intelligence gathering, improved coordination between central and state agencies, and stricter enforcement of laws. The revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a move with profound political and constitutional implications, occurred under Shah’s watch and remains a defining moment of his leadership. The article acknowledges the controversy surrounding this decision, highlighting the ongoing security challenges and humanitarian concerns that persist in the region.

Furthermore, Shah has prioritized border management, particularly along India's borders with Pakistan and China. Initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and strengthening cross-border cooperation have been implemented to address perceived threats and maintain stability. The article points out his emphasis on utilizing technology – from drones for border patrolling to advanced data analytics for crime prevention – reflecting a modern approach to security management.

Another significant aspect of Shah’s leadership has been the focus on tackling organized crime and corruption. He has championed stricter laws and more rigorous enforcement mechanisms, aiming to dismantle criminal networks and hold perpetrators accountable. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), despite facing widespread protests and legal challenges, also falls under his purview as Home Minister, demonstrating a commitment to fulfilling key promises made by the BJP during its election campaigns.

The article doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the criticisms leveled against Shah's policies and leadership style. Concerns have been raised regarding potential human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir following Article 370 revocation, accusations of authoritarian tendencies related to the CAA implementation, and questions about the fairness and impartiality of law enforcement practices. The article notes that these controversies continue to fuel debate and scrutiny surrounding his tenure.

However, it also highlights the positive outcomes attributed to Shah’s leadership. The reduction in Naxal violence in certain regions, improved coordination between different security agencies, and a perceived increase in efficiency within the Home Ministry are often cited as successes. The article suggests that while criticisms remain valid and require careful consideration, Shah's impact on India's internal security landscape is undeniable.

Looking ahead, the article posits that Shah’s extended tenure provides him with an unprecedented opportunity to further consolidate his reforms and shape the future of Indian governance. The challenges he faces are multifaceted – from managing ongoing border disputes to addressing socio-economic inequalities that can fuel unrest – but his experience and political capital position him to navigate these complexities.

The surpassing of L.K. Advani’s record isn't just a statistical milestone; it represents the culmination of years of dedicated service, strategic policy decisions, and a profound impact on India’s internal security apparatus. It also underscores the evolving nature of Indian politics and the increasing concentration of power within a single individual. The legacy Shah leaves behind will undoubtedly be shaped by his ability to address the criticisms leveled against him while continuing to navigate the complex challenges facing India in an increasingly volatile world. His continued leadership at the Home Ministry signifies a sustained focus on security, law enforcement, and national unity – albeit under scrutiny and with ongoing debates about the methods employed to achieve these goals. The weight of that responsibility, now carried for longer than any previous Home Minister, rests squarely on his shoulders.

The article concludes by suggesting that Shah’s record will be subject to historical evaluation in the years to come, with future generations assessing the long-term consequences of his policies and leadership style on India's internal security and democratic fabric.

Read the Full newsbytesapp.com Article at:
[ https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/amit-shah-surpasses-lk-advani-as-india-s-longest-serving-home-minister/story ]

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Amit Shahbecomes Indiaslongest-servinghomeministersurpasses Advanisrecord

The Weight of Security: Amit Shah Surpasses L.K. Advani as India’s Longest-Serving Home Minister