By: Express News ServiceNew Delhi | November 17, 2025 03:00 AM IST 2 min readUnion Home Minister Amit ShahUnion Home Minister Amit Shah, who had earlier drawn criticism from Opposition leaders in the south for what they called “linguistic parochialism”, appears to have adopted a markedly inclusive approach. Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala John Brittas recently received a surprise when Shah sent an acknowledgement — in Malayalam — for a letter he had sent to the Union Home Minister. The CPI(M) MP had earlier replied in Malayalam to Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, after receiving an official response in Hindi from the minister. While some feel that Shah’s gesture was keeping in mind the elections in the south, others say it could be a makeover effort.The NarrativeA narrative that contributed in a big way to the NDA’s campaign in Bihar this time revolved around the “jungle raj” charges against the RJD. Although anecdotes about the alleged jungle raj under the previous RJD regimes have always been part of the BJP’s campaign, such a strong narrative could be built after a book was released in March 2024. The book, Broken Promises: Caste, Crime and Politics in Bihar, by Mrityunjay Sharma, a BJP leader, laid the ground for the party’s narrative building, said party insiders. The book, which chronicled the state’s journey during 1990-2005, gave the BJP campaigners enough material to remind the voters about the alleged jungle raj, they said.Looking WithinShocked by the defeat in the Bihar elections, the Congress has started the process of internal assessment and has told its poll observers to prepare reports on the possible reasons for the defeat. Sources said that all three observers —Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury — have already started talking to local leaders and candidates to prepare their reports. Sources said the candidates who lost were very vocal in their criticism of the party’s Bihar leadership.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Amit Shah