Congress general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said Home Minister Amit Shah is a politician who cannot be underestimated.
The comments highlight the internal strategic calculations of the INDIA bloc as the opposition prepares for the next major electoral cycle. Ramesh's assessment suggests a cautious approach toward the Home Minister's influence over the current political landscape.
During an interview with The Quint, Ramesh said Shah is a "24/7 politician" [1]. He said the Home Minister's capabilities and political maneuvering should not be taken lightly by opposition parties [1].
Ramesh also addressed allegations of "vote chori," or vote theft, and discussed the broader strategy of the Congress party. These concerns come as the party begins organizing its long-term roadmap leading up to the 2029 elections [1].
Beyond electoral strategy, Ramesh touched upon the current state of the political system. He referenced a wave of defections and described certain government actions as "badla," or revenge, following the failure of a delimitation bill [2].
"Amit Shah is a 24/7 politician and you can't underestimate him," Ramesh said [1].
The Congress leader's remarks underscore a period of realignment for the opposition. By acknowledging the strength of the Home Minister, Ramesh said the party is focusing on systemic vulnerabilities, and the necessity of a disciplined coalition to challenge the ruling administration in the coming years [1], [2].
“Amit Shah is a 24/7 politician and you can't underestimate him.”
Ramesh's rhetoric indicates that the Congress party is shifting from reactive politics to a long-term strategic posture for 2029. By publicly acknowledging Amit Shah's effectiveness, the party is attempting to instill a sense of urgency and vigilance within the INDIA bloc to prevent electoral complacency and counter the ruling party's tactical advantages.
