Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s tenure has been marked by several significant political, constitutional, and security decisions that have shaped the policy direction of the Narendra Modi-led government.
One of the most defining moments came in August 2019, when Article 370 — which granted special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir — was revoked through parliamentary approval. The move aimed to bring the region at par with other Indian states administratively and legally. When Shah introduced the legislation in Parliament on August 5, 2019, the opposition reacted strongly but struggled to mount sustained resistance.
Another major milestone was the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The temple’s construction followed a Supreme Court verdict resolving the decades-long dispute. While the judicial decision paved the way, the project required extensive administrative planning and coordination, in which Shah reportedly played a key behind-the-scenes role.
The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains a work in progress and continues to be discussed as a long-term policy objective of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological affiliates.
In addition to these stated goals, reforms to Waqf property laws emerged as another significant development. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduced changes aimed at regulating property management and ownership processes under Waqf Boards. The legislation is currently under judicial review in the Supreme Court, with debates focusing on implementation details and legal safeguards.
Security policy has also been a central aspect of Shah’s tenure, particularly the government’s strategy against Left-wing extremism. The Home Ministry adopted a dual approach combining intensified security operations with a surrender-and-rehabilitation policy designed to reintegrate former Maoist cadres into mainstream society.
Under this policy, financial incentives were offered to surrendered members based on rank, alongside development initiatives in affected regions. Authorities focused on improving infrastructure and governance by providing essential services such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and ration distribution centres in villages located near security camps.
The government has set an ambitious target of making India free from violent Naxalism by March 31, 2026, combining security enforcement with socio-economic development measures aimed at restoring public trust.
Amit Shah’s tenure continues to draw both praise and criticism, reflecting the broader political debate surrounding major reforms undertaken during the current administration.
