Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Friday addressed the Manorama News Conclave 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, highlighting India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and outlining the government’s vision for development, governance, and national security.
Shah said, “After Modi Ji became Prime Minister, the country has entered a new era of politics of performance, replacing casteism, dynastic politics, and appeasement. Until India becomes great, we shall not rest.”
He pointed out that previous political models, especially in Kerala, had hindered growth. “The stagnant development model arising from Left ideology is obstructing Kerala’s progress. Due to vote-bank politics, national security has been compromised, and law and order has deteriorated,” Shah said. He questioned why organizations like PFI were not stopped in time, adding, “If there had been no Modi government, perhaps the Kerala government would still not have banned PFI.”
Shah highlighted the transformative governance model at the Centre, stating that under PM Modi, India has experienced stability and long-term planning. “The Modi government has successfully eliminated corruption both systemically and through policy measures. Internal and external security, infrastructure development, and national prosperity are being guided by clear policies,” he said.
On economic progress, Shah noted, “Over the past 11 years, PM Modi has elevated India’s economy from 11th to one of the top four globally. Significant progress has been made in infrastructure, technology, and opportunities for start-ups, allowing our youth to project themselves on the global stage.”
Shah also addressed Kerala-specific issues: “Kerala is the most literate state with 100 per cent literacy, yet it faces high unemployment. The people want IT, semi-conductor, port, and knowledge-based industries. They seek a government that works for the public, not for party cadres.”
Regarding disaster management funding, Shah said, “Between 2004 and 2014, the Centre provided Kerala ₹1,342 crore, whereas Modi Ji has provided ₹5,100 crore in the past 10 years.”
On delimitation and electoral reforms, he reassured southern states: “Whenever delimitation takes place, no injustice will be done to the southern states. Census will be completed in 2027, and only thereafter will the Delimitation Act be implemented.”
Shah commented on recent legislative initiatives, including the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, stressing accountability and morality in governance. “The people of the country do not want a Chief Minister or Prime Minister to govern from jail,” he said.
On electoral reforms, he described the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and highlighted efforts to maintain a credible voter list, noting that 22 lakh deceased individuals were still on Bihar’s voter rolls, which could have led to fraudulent voting.
Addressing internal security, Shah said, “Challenges in the Northeast, Left-wing extremism, and Jammu & Kashmir have seen a 70% reduction in violent incidents, 70% reduction in mortality, and a 74% reduction in security forces’ deaths. Our military has modernized, and operations like Uri, Pulwama, and Operation Sindoor have sent a strong message globally.”
He also discussed ethnic violence in Manipur, emphasizing that peace has been restored through dialogue and engagement with communities. Regarding insurgency, Shri Shah noted, “Dialogue is only possible when insurgents abandon weapons and operate within the Constitution.”
Shah outlined reforms in India’s criminal justice system, saying, “The Indian Penal Code has been renamed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The new laws integrate technology, online hearings, and measures to ensure justice within three years of an FIR being filed—our most significant reform of the 21st century.”
Speaking about Prime Minister Modi, he said, “PM Modi is an ideal example of service to the nation, renouncing family and home for politics. In this era of dynastic politics, he treats 140 crore people of India as his family, living a life of selfless public service.”
Shah concluded with a call for Kerala to harness its potential for development: “Kerala has immense opportunities. We hope the state will embark on a journey of growth and join India’s larger development story.”
