Amit Shah turns 61: PM Modi, BJP leaders extend greetings; hail strategic acumen and service

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah celebrated his 61st birthday on Wednesday, receiving greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders, and NDA allies, including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar .

In his birthday message, PM Modi praised Shah’s contribution to India’s internal security and public service. "Birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. He is widely admired for his dedication to public service and hardworking nature. He has made commendable efforts to strengthen India's internal security apparatus and ensure every Indian leads a life of safety and dignity. Praying for his long and healthy life." PM Modi wrote on X.

Birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. He is widely admired for his dedication to public service and hardworking nature. He has made commendable efforts to strengthen India's internal security apparatus and ensure every Indian leads a life of safety and dignity.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2025

Praising his resolve to eradicate Naxalism, BJP president JP Nadda said, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Honourable Union home and cooperation minister Shri @AmitShah ji on his birthday, on behalf of myself and all the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party," adding, "Due to your resolute determination in eradicating Naxalism, the fight to make the country Naxal-free is reaching a decisive turning point."

केंद्रीय गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री माननीय श्री @AmitShah जी को मेरी एवं भारतीय जनता पार्टी के समस्त कार्यकर्ताओं की ओर से जन्मदिवस की आत्मीय बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ देता हूँ।

आपका सार्वजनिक जीवन, समर्पण और संगठन कौशल का अद्वितीय उदाहरण है। नक्सलवाद उन्मूलन में आपकी दृढ़ इच्छाशक्ति के… pic.twitter.com/UJCtxgDike

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) October 22, 2025

Defence minister Rajnath Singh described Shah as extremely hardworking and determined. "I pray to God for his long life, excellent health and continued success in the service of the nation," Singh said.

केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल में हमारे साथी, गृह मंत्री श्री @AmitShah को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। स्वभाव से अत्यंत परिश्रमी और दृढ़ संकल्प के धनी, अमित जी भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा को सुदृढ़ करने एवं देश में शांति व स्थिरता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए पूरी तत्परता से काम कर रहे हैं।

मैं…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 22, 2025

NDA ally and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. I wish for his healthy and long life," while TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu added, "Wishing Hon'ble Union home minister Shri Amit Shah Ji a very happy birthday. I pray for his good health and long life in the service of our great nation."

Wishing Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji a very happy birthday. I pray for his good health and long life in the service of our great nation. @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/5trkpqaFws

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 22, 2025

Shah, widely regarded as an astute politician and master strategist, was born in an affluent Gujarati family in Mumbai in 1964.

He began his political career in Gujarat and became a minister in 2002, when PM Modi was the chief minister, making him the youngest minister in the state government. At one point, he held 12 portfolios, including home, law and justice, prison, border security, civil defence, excise, transport, and prohibition.

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Shah was appointed BJP general secretary and given charge of Uttar Pradesh, the most politically significant state. Under his leadership, the BJP won 73 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, reported PTI.

In July 2014, Shah was appointed BJP president. During his tenure, the party expanded its organisational base in northeast, east, and parts of southern India. He joined the second PM Modi government as Union home minister in 2019.