A Government Ignoring Sanatan Values Cannot Win Again, Says Amit Shah in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar | 27 January, 2026 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that any government which disappoints the followers of Sanatan Dharma will never return to power in the country. Speaking at a gathering of the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar, he said that people following different Sanatan traditions had waited for decades after Independence for a government that respects and governs according to Sanatan values. “I am confident that, with the blessings of saints, a government that disappoints followers of the Sanatan Dharma will never come to power again in this country,” he said. The event marked 200 years of the “Shikshapatri”, a sacred text written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1826. The Shikshapatri contains 212 Sanskrit verses and serves as a moral and spiritual guide for followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It talks about values such as non-violence, purity, discipline, diet and daily responsibilities, and continues to influence millions even today. Mr. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called the “son of Gujarat”, has been leading the country for the past 11 years with a strong commitment to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He said the construction of the Ram temple, destroyed more than 550 years ago, was completed under PM Modi’s leadership, fulfilling a centuries-old wish of the people. Highlighting major decisions of the government, he said, “Article 370 was removed, Triple talaq was abolished, and a Common Civil Code has been initiated for all religions.” Praising Lord Swaminarayan, Mr. Shah described him as a powerful reformer during the British era who worked to remove social evils and bring discipline into society. He said the “Shikshapatri” is “like a moral constitution for life” as it offers guidance on self-control, honesty, compassion and social conduct. He also noted that Lord Swaminarayan promoted girls’ education, opposed animal sacrifice, and spoke strongly against casteism and untouchability. “The welfare of all is the essence of the Shikshapatri,” Mr. Shah said, adding that its message remains deeply relevant in modern Ignoring Sanatan Dharma Will Cost Power, Says Amit Shah at Swaminarayan Event Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that any government which fails to respect Sanatan Dharma will not return to power in the country. Speaking at a gathering of the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar, he said followers of Sanatan traditions had waited for many years after Independence for a government that truly values their beliefs. “I am confident that, with the blessings of saints, a government that disappoints followers of the Sanatan Dharma will never come to power again in this country,” he said. The occasion marked 200 years of the “Shikshapatri”, a sacred text written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1826. The text contains 212 Sanskrit verses and acts as a guide for moral, social and spiritual life. It speaks about discipline, non-violence, purity and daily duties, and continues to guide followers even today. Mr. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called the son of Gujarat, has been leading the nation for the last 11 years with a focus on India’s cultural roots. He said the Ram temple, which was destroyed over 550 years ago, was rebuilt under PM Modi’s leadership. Highlighting key decisions, he said, “Article 370 was removed, Triple talaq was abolished, and a Common Civil Code has been initiated for all religions.” Praising Lord Swaminarayan, Mr. Shah said he worked to reform society at a time when it was affected by many social evils. He described the “Shikshapatri” as “like a moral constitution for life” that promotes honesty, compassion and responsibility. He added that Lord Swaminarayan encouraged girls’ education and opposed casteism and untouchability. “The welfare of all is the essence of the Shikshapatri,” he said.