Amit Shah’s Historic Tenure: Article 370 Repeal, CAA, and New Criminal Laws Transform India’s Internal Security
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Amit Shah’s Historic Tenure
Amit Shah’s Historic Tenure
Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister, has etched his name in the annals of Indian political history by becoming the longest-serving Home Minister in the country. With a tenure exceeding 2,258 days, Shah has not only broken records but also introduced transformational reforms that have redefined India’s internal security, legal framework, and governance approach.
On August 6, 2025, Amit Shah surpassed BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani’s record of 2,256 days as Union Home Minister, becoming the longest-serving Home Minister in independent India. Earlier, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, served for 1,218 days.
This milestone was formally acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an NDA parliamentary party meeting, applauding Shah’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s security and unity.
Top 3 Bold Decisions of Amit Shah as Home Minister
During his tenure, Amit Shah has made several high-impact decisions. The three that stand out in both national and global discourse are:
1. Abrogation of Article 370
One of the most historic and controversial moves under Amit Shah’s leadership was the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This constitutional provision granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
What Changed? The special privileges and separate constitution of Jammu & Kashmir were revoked, integrating it more firmly into the Indian Union.
Impact: This move led to the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh – and brought Indian laws uniformly into effect in the region.
Shah was praised by supporters for ending what they called a temporary provision that hindered national unity, though critics raised concerns about its long-term implications on regional stability.
2. Enactment of New Criminal Laws
In a landmark legislative reform, Amit Shah spearheaded the repeal of colonial-era criminal laws, replacing them with three modern Indian laws:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – replacing the Indian Evidence Act of 1872
These new laws, which came into force on July 1, 2024, aim to:
Modernize criminal justice
Empower victims, especially women
Speed up judicial processes
Make the justice system more victim-centric and technology-driven
This reform is viewed as one of the biggest overhauls of India’s legal system in 150 years.
3. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in December 2019 under Shah’s leadership, was a defining moment in Indian immigration policy. The Act aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Christians, and Parsis – from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who entered India before December 31, 2014.
Supporters’ View: A humanitarian law providing protection to minorities fleeing religious persecution.
Critics’ Concern: Exclusion of Muslims raised concerns about secularism and sparked protests across the country.
Despite the controversies, the law was implemented in March 2024, with thousands applying for citizenship under its provisions.
Other Noteworthy Contributions
Beyond these three headline decisions, Amit Shah’s legacy also includes significant progress in national security and regional stability:
🔸 Fight Against Naxalism
Shah set a deadline of March 31, 2026 to end the decades-long Naxal insurgency, marking a bold target in the internal security roadmap.
🔸 Peace in the Northeast
He facilitated the signing of 12 peace agreements with insurgent groups in northeastern states, leading to the surrender of thousands of militants and ensuring greater stability and development in the region.
These efforts reflect Shah’s vision of a strong, united, and peaceful India, where dialogue and development go hand in hand with security enforcement.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Courage and Conviction
Amit Shah’s record-breaking tenure as India’s longest-serving Union Home Minister is defined by bold decisions, structural reforms, and political courage. Whether it’s revoking Article 370, revamping century-old criminal laws, or enacting the CAA, each move has reshaped the national landscape.
As he continues to serve in this pivotal role, Shah remains a central figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, committed to strengthening India’s internal security, national unity, and constitutional framework.
His legacy is not just of longevity, but of transformational leadership that will influence India’s future for decades to come.
