Amit Shah Biography: Early Life, Education, Family and Political Career

Name: Amit Anil Chandra Shah

Mother's Name: Kusumben Shah

Father's Name: Anil Chandra Shah

Education: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from CU Shah Science College, Ahmedabad

Date of Birth: 22 October 1964

Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Occupation /Profession: Politician

Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Designation: Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India

Spouse: Sonal Shah

Children: Jay Shah

Caste & Religion: Hindu, Baniya (Vaishya) Caste

Amit Shah Early Life

Amit Anil Chandra Shah was born on October 1964, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. His family later moved to the Mehsana in Gujrat. Amit Shah came from the Gujarati Hindu family of the Baniya caste. His family is involved in the business, and his great-grandfather was the Nagarseth (Capital city chief) of the small state of Mansa. Amit Shah’s father Anil Chandra Shah, was a businessman from Mansa who owned a successful PVC pipe business.

Amit Shah Education

He completed his schooling in the ancestral village of Mehsana in Gujrat where he received his primary education; during his early schooling, he followed the ‘Indian Value Tradition’ under the guidance of notable scholars of the Gaikwad State. After that, politician pursued his higher education in Ahmedabad, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from CU Shah Science College. Throughout his life, Amit Shah remained devoted to studying Indian philosophy and texts. Also, in their college years, Shah became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). RSS association has marked the beginning of his deep-rooted involvement in political and social activities.

Amit Shah Family

Amit Shah married to the Sonal Shah. Also, they have a son named Jay Shah. Jay Shah is currently serving as the Secretary of the Board of the Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Amit Shah’s mother dies from the illness on the 8th of June’2010. Politician family has described Shah as one of the people who does not like to socialize much. However, his family also maintains a low public profile, on the other hand, Sonal Shah is often seen supporting her husband’s political activities. Amit Shah has six sisters, two of whom live in Chicago.

Amit Shah Political Career

Politician political career started in the early 1980s. It is the time when Shah joined the RSS as a volunteer. His organizational skills and dedication led to his rapid ascension within the ranks. By 1987, he had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After that, he starts working in the Ahmedabad unit. His strategic mind and ability to mobilize support made him an invaluable asset to the BJP.

Amit Shah Political History/Timeline

1980: Amit Shah joined the RSS and worked for the student wing of the RSS and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad for over four years.

1982: He became Joint Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Gujarat.

1987: He was appointed as the Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.

1989: He was appointed as the Secretary of B.J.P. Ahmedabad City Gujarat.

1995: He became the President of Gujarat State Finance Corporation.

1997: He became a treasurer of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. He successfully contested the byelection from the Sarkhej Legislative Assembly Seat and became MLA. He won the seat by a margin of nearly 25,000 votes.

1998: Amit Shah was re-elected to Gujarat Assembly as an MLA from the same seat. He defeated Pramukhbhai Kanubhai Patel of the Congress Party. On the party front, he was appointed as the State Secretary of B.J.P., Gujarat in the same year.

1999: He became the State Vice-President of B.J.P., Gujarat.

2001: He became a National Convenor Sahkarita Prakoshtha, B.J.P. Amit Shah was made the co-organiser of the Gaurav Yatra. 2000 Amit Shah was elected as the president of Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank.

2002: Amit Shah again contested from Sarkhej Assembly and won. He defeated INC candidate Himanshu Vitthalbhai Patel by a margin of 1,58,036 votes. Amit Shah was given the key ministries of the Home, Transport, and Prohibition departments.

2007: Sarkhej electorate again showered its votes on Amit Shah with a victory margin of 2,32,832 votes. This time he defeated Shashikant V. Patel (Bhurabhai) of the Congress Party. He was again inducted into the state cabinet and was given responsibilities of key portfolios like Home, Transport, Prohibition, Parliamentary Affairs, Law, and Excise.

2012: In the 2012 assembly elections, Amit Shah contested the Naranpura seat and defeated Dr. Jitubhai B. Patel of the Congress Party. This time he won by over 60,000 votes.

2013: He was appointed as the National General Secretary of B.J.P. Minister, Government of Gujarat.

2017: He was elected to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat constituency. 2014 Amit Shah became the National President of the Bhartiya Janata Party.

2019: He contested and won Gandhinagar Lok Sabha polls by a margin of over three lakh votes replacing L.K Advani's prevalent candidature in the constituency. He was appointed as the 31st Minister of Home Affairs.

2021: Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Cooperation

2024: Amit Shah contested and won from the Gandhinagar seat in Gujarat for the 18th Lok Sabha elections. He defeated Congress' Sonal Patel. Following this victory was selected to be a State Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation.

Amit Shah as Home Minister of India

Key Initiatives:

Abrogation of Article 370: Ended special status for Jammu & Kashmir, splitting it into two Union Territories.

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Provided citizenship path for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, sparking widespread protests.

NIA and UAPA Amendments: Strengthened anti-terrorism laws.

Amit Shah as an MLA in Gujarat

Roles:

-Held multiple ministerial portfolios under then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

-Contributed to state policies in home, transport, prohibition, and more.

Achievements:

-Focused on infrastructure, education, and public welfare in his constituency.

-Key strategist in BJP's electoral successes in Gujarat.

-Shah's transition from state politics to national leadership showcases his strategic acumen and influence within the BJP.

Amit Shah Achievements

Revamping BJP’s organizational structure

Amit Shah's tenure as BJP President saw the party’s expansion into new regions and social segments. Under his leadership, BJP won several state elections and two consecutive general elections in 2014 and 2019.

Abrogation of Article 370

As Home Minister, Shah played a pivotal role in the government's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of India.

Strengthening Internal Security

Shah has been credited with implementing robust policies to enhance India’s internal security framework and counter-terrorism measures.

Amit Shah Net Worth

According to the affidavit 2024, Politician net worth and his wife's assets totaling Rs 65.67 crore. Notably, this marks a significant increase from the Rs 30.49 crore reported during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, showing a growth of over 100 percent in the past five years.

His movable assets, including cash, bank savings, deposits, gold, silver, and inherited property, amount to Rs 20.23 crore. Among these, Shah holds shares values at over Rs 17.46 crore and precious metals worth more than Rs 72.87 lakhs. However, no vehicles were disclosed in his affidavit.

Meanwhile, his wife Sonal Shah owns movable assets exceeding Rs 22.46 crores, including cash, bank savings, stock investments, and deposits, as well as gold and silver jewellery valued at over Rs. 1.10 crores.

While talking about the immovable property, Amit Shah's holdings total over Rs 16.31 crore, comprising agricultural land, semi-cultivated land, plots, and residences that are located in Vadnagar, Daskroi, Ashram Road, Thaltej, and Gandhinagar. On the other hand, Sonal Shah also holds immovable property values at more than Rs 6.55 crore, including residential properties in various locations.

Interesting Facts about Amit Shah

Amit Shah is often referred to as the "Chanakya" of modern Indian politics due to his strategic acumen and political maneuvers.

He has a deep interest in cricket and served as the President of the Gujarat Cricket Association before his son, Jay Shah, took over key roles in BCCI.

Despite his significant political stature, Shah maintains a low profile in his personal life, often seen engaging with grassroots party workers and focusing on organizational work.

Election Results of Amit Shah

Amit Shah's political career is marked by consistent electoral successes:

1997: Elected as an MLA from Sarkhej.

2002, 2007, 2012: Re-elected from Sarkhej, showcasing his stronghold in the constituency.

2014: Successfully led BJP in the general elections as the party president.

2019: Elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat; BJP won the general elections under his leadership.

Amit Shah’s Political Controversy

Amit Shah’s career had its share of controversies:

Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case: Shah was accused and arrested in 2010 for his alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh. He was granted bail in 2011 and acquitted of all charges in 2014.

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): His tenure as Home Minister saw widespread protests and criticism over the CAA, which was seen as discriminatory by many.

Handling of Jammu and Kashmir: The abrogation of Article 370 led to significant political and social unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing criticism from various quarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amit Shah's role in the Indian government?

Amit Shah is the Minister of Home Affairs. He is responsible for internal security, law and order, and domestic policy.

When did Amit Shah become the Minister of Home Affairs?

Amit Shah became the Minister of Home Affairs on May 30, 2019.

Which political party does Amit Shah belong to?

Amit Shah belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Where was Amit Shah born?

Amit Shah was born on October 22, 1964, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

What is Amit Shah's educational background?

Amit Shah holds a degree in biochemistry from CU Shah Science College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

What positions has Amit Shah held within the BJP?

Amit Shah has held various positions within the BJP, including President of the BJP from 2014 to 2020 and National General Secretary.