Strong man of Indian politics, Shah takes over as first Co-op Minister

The strong man of Indian politics Amit Shah, who is known for cracking the whip with a heavy hand in whatever he does, has taken over as the first Cooperation Minister of India, in addition to his original portfolio of Home Ministry.

Amit Shah is a grassroots level co-operator who knows his job. Active in the co-operative banking sector in his early days, Shah has fought many elections for DCCBs. Even now he takes interest in the growth of the co-op banking movement.

His friends recall how in the past during 2001-3, as the Chairman of the Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, Shah helped revive the bank. “ Credit for turning around the fortunes of Ahmedabad DCCB goes to Amitbhai”, said Nafcub President Jyotindra Mehta to Indian Cooperative.

Mehta who is both Nafucb President and Sahakar Bharati Patron greeted Amit Shah by writing on his FB wall “Co-operative sector is proud to have Amitbhai Shah as minister of newly formed Department of Cooperation. He understands the sector and Banking. We are proud of the Country’s first co-operative minister”, wrote Mehta.

IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi congratulated Shah on becoming the first Co-op Minister. Awasthi tweeted “Heartiest Congratulations & Greetings to the dynamic, visionary & learned political leader Shri Amit Shah Ji for taking charge as first Minister of Co-operation along with Home Ministry. He will indeed take the Indian Cooperative Movement to new heights. My Best Wishes.”

G H Amin, another strongman from Gujarat also expressed his happiness on Shah’s selection as the Cooperation Minister. Amitbhai has been an active co-operator having been on the boards of DCCBs and on the board of apex bank Gujarat State Co-op Bank. Amin also congratulated other ministers numbering seven from Gujarat who have been appointed in Wednesday’s reshuffle.

His selection to head the newly created Ministry has evoked mixed response from co-operators. While most of the Gujarat based co-operators have hailed his appointment, there are many who are sceptical of his alleged strong arm-twisting approach.

Ashok Dabas, who has been rejected by NCUI in more than one way, phoned this correspondent to say “ Please write in my name that mafias of co-operatives should begin packing their bags”. Dabas has been evicted from his office recently at NCUI and has lodged a police complaint against it, detailed story of which will follow soon in these columns.

Those excited with Shah taking over the Ministry of Cooperation have only one worry- how far Shah would be able to focus as he is already tasked with the crucial ministry of Home. “But his uncommon ability to grasp a situation and offer a solution may come in handy for us”, said those who know him closely.