EXCLUSIVE: BJP doesn’t indulge in politics of religion, Opposition confusing voters, says Rajnath Singh
New Delhi: Ahead of the sixth phase of voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did miracles and brought rapid developments in the country. On Rahul Gandhi contesting from Rae Bareli seat, Rajnath Singh said that the “public will not take it in the right way”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is contesting from Lucknow, said that BJP’s strategy is never to topple a government. “Congress has toppled an elected government many times. Congress has dissolved an elected government 132 times. More than 50 governments were toppled during Indira Gandhi’s rule alone,” he said.
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Rajnath Singh reveals how his first MP ticket got cancelled in 1977
In an exclusive interview with TV9 Network, Rajnath Singh narrated his moment when he became an MLA for the first time. “Earlier, I used to wear shirt, pant and tie too. Then in 1977, when I became an MLA for the first time, I was 26 years old and at that time I started wearing dhoti and kurta. I also wore pyjama. Then this clothing trend started,” said Rajnath Singh.
“In 1977, when I was 25 years old, I got a ticket to contest Lok Sabha elections. I was sent an authorised letter by the party. I also filed my nomination. However, on the day when the last date for filing nominations was fixed, I went to the magistrate to get the election symbol. As soon as I reached the magistrate, a peon came and handed him a letter,” he said.
“The magistrate told me to meet the collector. When he came back, he told me that the consent letter sent by your Janata Party has been withdrawn. Shakeel Ansari has been made the candidate in your place. The magistrate told me that it is already 3 pm, so you cannot withdraw your name. I said that I accept the decision of the party, now I do not want to contest the election. I gave my support to Shakeel Ansari. Although people were very angry about this decision. But, I explained to the people that Shakeel Ansari is our candidate. His insult will be my insult,” he added.
People will not forgive Arvind Kejriwal, says Rajnath Singh on Swati Maliwal assault case
On Rahul Gandhi contesting from Rae Bareli instead of Amethi this time in Uttar Pradesh, Rajnath Singh said that he has been contesting from Amethi for a long time. “This seat used to be the traditional seat of his family. If he had to contest from UP, he should have contested from Amethi,” said the defence minister. He further said, “I think the public will not take the decision of contesting from Rae Bareli instead of Amethi in the right way.”
On Arvind Kejriwal’s statement that PM Narendra Modi will not remain the Prime Minister of the country after crossing 75, Rajnath Singh said that there is no age limit for leadership in BJP.
“He should tell the truth and show where it is written. Meaningful politics is done by speaking the truth. A woman was beaten up in his CM residence. All this happened when you were present there. Why did you remain silent then? You maintained silence for 15 days. The public will not forgive you,” said Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath Singh shares bitter-sweet memories of past
The Union Minister also shared some bitter-sweet memories of his past. Rajnath Singh said that during his teaching days, he used to go to college in Rajdoot. Then he bought a second-hand jeep, but he did not have money to fill petrol. With the help of people, his life kept moving forward.
On being asked about his teaching days, Rajnath Singh said, “I used to go to college in pant-shirt. As a lecturer, I used to wear pant-shirt. Children used to like me a lot then. I used to teach physics in a slightly different way so that children could understand it well.”
He further said, “I used to have a motorcycle then. I was the only one in college who had a motorcycle, there were very few people in Mirzapur who had a motorcycle. I had a Rajdoot motorcycle. I used to go to college to teach on a motorcycle.”
Recalling an incident after entering politics, Rajnath Singh said, “When I became an MLA in 1977, army vehicles used to be parked there and they used to be auctioned for Rs 3,000-4,000. Then I bought a jeep. I had a friend who had a carpet factory, so he got this jeep made. I did not spend a single penny. He was our best friend. Then I started travelling by car.”
Rajnath Singh said, “Then we started driving, 4-5 boys used to go with us. However, people did not have money then. Then there was a problem filling petrol. In such a situation, we used to ask for help of 5-10 rupees from everyone. Then we used to fill petrol. Or the trader worker used to fill petrol for us.”
On PM Modi setting a 100-day agenda for his third term, Rajnath Singh said, “Not 100, we have made it 125 days. The biggest quality of PM Modi is that he works tirelessly. He is rich in imaginary ability. He has a yearning to do something for the country.”
Rajnath Singh added, “Congress is misleading you. Congress is saying that it will give reservation to people on the basis of religion, whereas the Constitution of India does not allow this. Reservation in some universities on the basis of religion was cancelled by the Supreme Court. We never do politics on the basis of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian.”