'India Should Not Be Divided': Amit Shah Says Centre Will Never Allow North-South Divide Narrative

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 19:02 IST

The Home Minister added that the country should not be divided through such narratives, neither a North-South narrative nor any other divisive framing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday pushed back against what he described as attempts to create a North-South divide in the country, asserting that all states and regions have equal standing in Parliament. Addressing the Lok Sabha during debate on Women’s Reservation Bill, Shah mentioned that the southern states have exactly the same rights in this House as the northern states.

“Let me make this clear once again: the southern states have exactly the same rights in this House as the northern states. In fact, even a small Union Territory like Lakshadweep has the same rights as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Bihar," he said.

The Home Minister added that the country should not be divided through such narratives, neither a North-South narrative nor any other divisive framing.

“It should not be broken into pieces on such lines. What are they trying to imply? That members sitting in this House think about which state they come from while speaking or taking decisions?…When we take the oath, we do so with full sincerity and from the heart. Those who have taken the constitutional oath in their hands are now trying to promote a North-South division narrative. We will not allow this to happen," he said.

News india 'India Should Not Be Divided': Amit Shah Says Centre Will Never Allow North-South Divide Narrative

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