BJP will rule 30 years, protests won't win elections: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday dismissed street protests as a futile political tactic, asserting that the ruling BJP would retain power for the next three decades. Addressing a political gathering, Shah contended that elections could not be won through demonstrations or agitations, making a pointed reference to opposition strategies.

Directing his criticism at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the broader opposition coalition, Shah accused them of refusing to accept electoral verdicts delivered by Indian voters. He argued that the opposition's reliance on agitations and protests reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic processes and voter preferences.

Shah's comments come amid ongoing opposition protests against various government policies and legislative initiatives. The Home Minister's remarks underscore the BJP's confidence in its electoral strength and its portrayal of opposition mobilization efforts as politically ineffectual.

The Congress and other opposition parties have maintained that street-level activism remains a crucial component of democratic participation, separate from electoral contests. Opposition leaders have previously defended their protest movements as legitimate expressions of public dissent and accountability mechanisms.