Amit Shah Birthday: Here's why Union Home Min is called BJP's 'Chanakya' 

Amit Shah/ PTI

Anyone who is familiar with Indian politics, is aware of the formidable leader Amit Shah. Shah, a towering figure in the political arena, is often referred to as Chanakya of the Bharatiya Janata Party who led the saffron-party to win in 2014 polls. Shah is also a key strategist behind meteoric rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His remarkable political journey began in the early 1980s and has since seen him rise to the highest echelons of power in India.

Born in Mumbai, on October 22, 1964, Shah hails from a middle-class family. His initial foray into politics was influenced by his family's association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization. Shah's political roots can be traced back to his college days when he became an active member of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS.

With his ascending ranks in the BJP, Shah's political acumen became evident. However, his big break came when he was appointed as the Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat in 2002.

It was during his tenure as the Home Minister of Gujarat that he faced one of the most challenging moments- the 2002 Gujarat riots. The handling of the situation drew praise and criticism, but it solidified Shah's reputation as a strong and decisive leader.

The turning point in Amit Shah's career came when he was appointed the President of the BJP in 2014. He played a pivotal role in Narendra Modi's triumphant campaign for the position of Prime Minister. Shah's organizational skills and grassroots-level strategies were instrumental in the BJP's historic victory, winning 282 of the 545 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 general elections. This resounding win catapulted Modi to the office of Prime Minister.

Shah's influence only grew as he was appointed the Home Minister of India in 2019, serving in Modi's second term as Prime Minister. His tenure has been marked by significant policy changes and initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Amit Shah's role in the political landscape of India has been multifaceted. He has been the mastermind behind several state-level victories for the BJP, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, to name a few. His ability to build strategic alliances, connect with voters at the grassroots level, and mobilize party workers has made him an indispensable asset to the BJP.

However, it's not been a journey without challenges and controversies. Shah has faced legal issues, including allegations of involvement in extrajudicial encounters and encounter killings. He was also accused of manipulating electoral constituencies. These allegations, though, have not dented his popularity or his rise in the political arena.

Shah's organizational skills, tactical brilliance, and ability to connect with voters have been pivotal in transforming the BJP from a regional force into a formidable national party. As Home Minister, he plays a crucial role in shaping India's future and addressing pressing issues such as national security and immigration. His role as the architect of Narendra Modi's victories in state and national elections has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of India, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary Indian politics.