Amit Shah, a first-time minister in PM Modi’s cabinet, takes charge of Home ministry

Amit Shah was received at the North Block office of the home ministry by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior officials.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Saturday took charge as the 30th Union Home Minister at a time when the country is facing terrorism, secessionism and Maoist insurgency challenges.

The 55-year-old BJP leader assumed charge a day after he was assigned the crucial Home portfolio, succeeding Rajnath Singh, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government returned for a second term. (Sonu Mehta/ HT Photo)

The 55-year-old BJP leader assumed charge a day after he was assigned the crucial Home portfolio, succeeding Rajnath Singh, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government returned for a second term.

The leadership change in the high-profile ministry is expected to usher in a certain decisiveness and an iron-handed approach to terror, insurgency and secessionism.

However, former Home Minister Rajnath Singh had given a free hand to security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to heavy casualties among terrorists, Shah is expected to be more proactive and lead from the front.

WATCH: Opinion | Home Minister Amit Shah’s focus: J&K integration, Assam immigration

He was welcomed by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and IB chief Rajiv Jain soon after he reached his North Block office

(The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text, only the headline has been changed)