Amit Shah Invokes Gandhi’s ‘Seven Sins’, Says Politics for Self-Interest Is a Sin

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s “seven social sins”, saying people who enter politics for personal gain or self-interest are committing a sin. He said the Narendra Modi government is pursuing Gandhi’s vision of “punar-nirman” (reconstruction) to take India forward while preserving its core values.

Addressing the 72nd convocation of Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad, Shah described himself as an admirer and follower of Gandhi. The university was founded by Gandhi in 1920.

“Gandhiji said politics without principles is a sin,” Shah said, stressing that politics should be guided by principles and objectives rather than individual interests.

He also recalled Gandhi’s other social warnings, including business without morality, wealth without labour, knowledge without discernment, knowledge without character, science without humanity and worship without sacrifice.

Shah drew a distinction between “punar-nirman” and “navnirman”, arguing that Gandhi preferred reconstruction because India’s traditional foundations had been damaged during colonial rule. He said modernisation should not mean abandoning India’s fundamental elements.

“From 2014 to 2026, for 12 years, the country has embarked on the path of reconstruction,” Shah said, citing India’s strength, culture, prosperity, security, self-reliance and ethical leadership as foundations of development.

The Home Minister also recalled his mother’s influence, saying she made him take a lifelong vow to wear khadi. He said he spent part of his early life weaving khadi and spinning yarn. Shah highlighted Gandhi’s 11 principles, including truth, non-violence, non-stealing, physical labour, fearlessness, swadeshi and removal of untouchability, saying they remain relevant despite several social ills being addressed constitutionally.

He also cited Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness, gram swaraj, prosperous villages and cooperation, saying the Modi government was working on all three fronts. Around 900 students received degrees, while 11 gold medals were awarded at the ceremony.