At a Swaminarayan event in Gujarat, Amit Shah said governments that fail to uphold Sanatan Dharma cannot secure or retain power, praising PM Modi’s leadership.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that any government which disregards Sanatan Dharma or disappoints its followers will struggle to gain or retain power in India. He made the remarks while addressing a gathering of the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar, marking 200 years of the Shikshapatri, a sacred code of conduct laid down by Lord Swaminarayan.

Shah said the blessings of saints and adherence to Sanatan values remain central to public faith, adding that political authority ultimately rests on cultural and moral foundations. He credited Narendra Modi for giving renewed importance to Sanatan Dharma since 2014, describing it as a long-awaited shift after decades following Independence.

Highlighting Lord Swaminarayan’s legacy, Shah recalled his emphasis on social reform, including support for women’s education, opposition to social evils such as infanticide and caste discrimination, and a stress on ethical living. He said protecting Sanatan values was essential not just for faith, but for the broader upliftment of society.The remarks come as the BJP sharpens its cultural narrative alongside governance priorities, especially with Parliament’s Budget Session underway. For supporters, the message reinforces ideological clarity, while critics see it as part of a broader effort to blend cultural identity with electoral politics.