Unlike an Olympics game, where a race is green-flagged with the shot of a pistol, the race for the prime ministership does not start with some announcement. Instead, it gradually heats up, shaped by the vulnerabilities of the incumbent and the developing scenario.The irresistible scent of power compels a diverse range of players to play their moves in various ways, apparently to tell the world that they are big enough to take on any daunting task. At the same time, some also project themselves as loyalists of the incumbent.If one remembers correctly, V.P. Singh had declared that ‘Rajiv Gandhi is my leader’ a day before quitting the government.So the moral of the story is that the recent actions and utterances regarding Union home minister Amit Shah, the man Friday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should be seen in the right context. No one in politics wants to do just social work or charity.Earlier this month, his supporters let the world know, as in this article in a news portal: “Amit Shah’s name has been etched into the annals of Indian political history as he officially became the longest-serving Union home minister.“Marking a major milestone, Shah has now completed 2,258 days in office, surpassing the previous record held by veteran L.K. Advani, who served for 2,256 days.”‘Look no further, Shah is here’ is the subtle and not-so-subtle message that is being given to emphasise that there is no need for a search for the next leader.It is coming at a time when the prime minister is beleaguered, be it on the security or foreign policy front or even in domestic affairs. The repeated controversial actions and statements of US President Donald Trump have undoubtedly debilitated the ‘strong leader’, who looks like a pussycat, if his detractors are to be believed.Modi is bound to be under attack in these ‘not normal’ times. Being strong in strategy and cunning, Modi seeks to ensure that his detractors remain in the doghouse, either through the media or manipulation or both. The over-decade-long ‘Pappu’ campaign is striking proof of this. There is bound to be backlash, and a severe one.Modi does not like accidents. Major accidents are sacrilege. Jagdeep Dhankhar is a recent example. Despite being the ‘chosen one,’ Dhankhar was swiftly forced to become ex-vice president. But the scars have remained.The attack has suddenly come from unexpected quarters. Trump, whom Modi had proudly declared as ‘my friend’, has suddenly turned into his tormentor. Trump’s tantrums, day in and day out, have made the prime minister and his foreign policy, as well as his style of governance, a laughing stock.The American missile of a 50% tariff and Rahul Gandhi’s ‘atom bomb’ of ‘vote theft’ have left Modi 3.0 in a deep mess.Despite a pliant media eating out of his hands, Modi as PM had never seen to be as much on the backfoot as he is now. As they say, ‘Jo dar gaya, so mar gaya’ (‘The one who is scared has already lost’).Also read | Sticking Point on BJP Chief’s Selection: Independent or From Within the EstablishmentModi started sipping water in the Lok Sabha when Gandhi lobbed a direct query during the debate on Operation Sindoor as to why he was not taking Trump’s name to call out his lie that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the wake of the operation.His ducking this query was perhaps one of the lowest moments in the 11-year-long career of the prime minister, who, over a year ago was trumpeted by his supporters as ‘ek akela sab par bhari’ (‘the one [Modi] is heavier than all others combined’).At a time when Modi looks like he has lost his mojo, Shah wants the world to know that he is waiting in the wings. Shah knows that when push comes to shove, Modi would back no one but him. He knows his services to the ‘Boss’, as he used to informally refer to Modi during the Gujarat days, have been immense and diverse.Interestingly, the BJP under Modi had been, rightly or wrongly, strong on the rhetoric that Sardar Patel should have been the first PM and not Pandit Nehru. The strong Sardar had to settle for the home ministry, goes the argument.Everyone who is anyone in politics or aware of it knows what sort of personality Shah is. His detractors insist that he is the most controversial home minister India has ever had. And much could be said on that.When nothing has gone right for the PM, Shah has let it be known to the faithful and not-so-faithful that he is the most important man around. If you fail to take note, it is at your peril.Shah has been a trusted and hardworking associate of Modi’s from his Gujarat days since the latter became chief minister, replacing Keshubhai Patel, nearly 25 years ago. He has only worked his way up since.So much has Shah’s name been associated with Modi’s that both his detractors and supporters agree that he is the man who executes Modi’s will, be it at the level of the party or of the government. The rest are also-rans, including party chief J.P. Nadda.The chemistry between Modi and Shah makes them inseparable. This is an asset as well as a liability. You cannot see Shah as separate from Modi even for a moment. So, he too will have to carry Modi’s albatross, is the feeling in political circles. If that remains the case, then the all-powerful home minister will not be that powerful on all occasions.Next month, Modi will complete 75 years of age, and there have been veiled suggestions and even some direct ones that it is time he steps down. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks at a book release function on taking a step back after 75 are also being given different interpretations.In the just-concluded monsoon session of parliament, the home minister introduced three controversial Bills that allows for the removal of chief ministers and their ministers if any of them face detention or jail for 30 days upon being accused of a crime punishable by five or more years in prison. The Bills also include the prime minister, so as to project that the BJP is fair to the opposition and not targeting any particular party.The opposition has raised a hue and cry and Mamata Banerjee went to the extent of charging the ruling party with attempting to impose a “super emergency”.A section of political observers insist that the measures brought by Shah are equally aimed at those leaders in the BJP who have bigger ambitions for the post-Modi era. The home minister is almost telling the world, ‘Are diwano, mujhe pahachano’ (‘Note my presence, O crazy ones’).Sunil Gatade and Venkatesh Kesari are New Delhi-based journalists.