Amit Shah is a highly influential figure in Indian politics, currently serving as the Home Minister of India and President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly shaped his political trajectory.
Wiki/Biography
Amit Anilchandra Shah was born on Thursday, October 22, 1964 (age 59 as of 2023) in Mumbai. His zodiac sign is Libra. He completed his schooling at Jyoti Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad and studied Biochemistry at CU Shah Science College, also in Ahmedabad. Post-graduation, he initially worked in his father’s PVC pipe business and later as a stockbroker in Ahmedabad’s Co-operative Banks.
His early interest in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) led to his active participation in local branches. He formally joined the RSS as a Swayamsevak during college, a period when he met Narendra Modi in 1982 in Ahmedabad.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Grey
Family, Caste & Wife
Amit Shah hails from a Hindu Vaishnav family, identifying as a Gujarati Baniya. He clarified his religious affiliation in a 2018 press conference, dispelling previous media speculation about his being Jain. His father, Anilchandra Shah, was a businessman, and his mother, Kusumben Shah, a homemaker. He has six sisters, including Rajeshwariben (deceased). He is married to Sonal Shah, and they have a son, Jay Shah, who is a businessman.
Political Career
Shah’s political journey began with his involvement in the RSS. His leadership roles in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, provided a strong foundation for his subsequent entry into the BJP in 1984. He quickly rose through the ranks, managing election campaigns for prominent figures like L.K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His skillful campaign management was instrumental in the BJP’s electoral success.
His election to the Gujarat Assembly in 1995 marked a significant milestone. He served as Chairman of the Gujarat State Financial Corporation, achieving notable success. His subsequent ministerial roles in the Gujarat government under Narendra Modi demonstrated his administrative capabilities and deep trust from Modi. His pivotal role in the BJP’s 2014 election campaign, especially in Uttar Pradesh, solidified his position as a key strategist.
His election to the Lok Sabha in 2019 and subsequent appointment as Home Minister further cemented his influence within the Indian political landscape. His re-election in 2024 continued this trajectory.
Controversies
Amit Shah has faced several controversies throughout his career. These include accusations related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, the Snoopgate scandal, and the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. While he has been acquitted or cleared in some cases, these controversies continue to be subjects of public discussion and debate.
Further allegations surround his son, Jay Shah’s business dealings, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Address
16, Sudeep Society, Royal Crescent, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad
Assets & Properties
The following table outlines Amit Shah’s declared assets and properties. Note that this information may be subject to change and further updates.
| Asset Type | Details | Approximate Value (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Rs. 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Bank Deposits | Rs. 16.70 Lacs | 1,670,000 |
| Debentures & Bonds | Rs. 16.30 Crores | 163,000,000 |
| Jewellery | 910 gm Gold | 3,400,000 |
| Agricultural Land (Vadnagar) | – | 8,000,000 |
| Agricultural Land (Lilapur) | – | 4,500,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Shilaj) | – | 60,000,000 |
| Commercial Building (Ahmedabad) | 2 buildings | 3,050,000 |
| Commercial Building (Memnagar) | – | 1,500,000 |
| Residential Building (Gandhinagar) | – | 2,000,000 |
| Residential Building (Ahmedabad) | – | 15,000,000 |
| Residential Plot (Gandhinagar) | – | 7,100,000 |
Facts
- In 1999, he successfully revived the Ahmedabad District Co-operative Bank, turning its financial fortunes around.
- He is known for his passion for chess and serves as the President of the Gujarat Chess Association.
- He joined the BJP a year before Narendra Modi.
- He achieved record-breaking victory margins in the Gandhinagar constituency in several elections.
- In 2023, he set a record for the longest speech during a Lok Sabha no-confidence motion debate.
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