Rajnath Singh, India’s formidable Defence Minister, stands as a titan in Indian politics, celebrated for his astute leadership and unwavering commitment to national security. His meteoric rise from grassroots activism to the highest echelons of government underscores his indomitable spirit and unparalleled influence.
A stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Singh has been pivotal in steering the party’s strategic direction and monumental successes. He has held powerful positions such as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister, and BJP President. His tenure as Home Minister was marked by decisive, bold actions that significantly bolstered internal security and counter-terrorism efforts.
As Defence Minister, Singh has revolutionized India’s armed forces, championing the modernization and enhancement of indigenous defense capabilities through groundbreaking initiatives like ‘Make in India.’ Under his relentless leadership, India has achieved monumental strides in defense procurement, military readiness, and forged powerful strategic alliances with global superpowers. His masterful diplomacy has fortified India’s defense ties with the United States, Russia, and France, forging alliances that significantly boost India’s strategic autonomy.
Singh’s leadership style is a blend of pragmatic toughness, resilience, and a firm yet approachable demeanor. His adept handling of complex security challenges and his unwavering dedication to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have earned him immense respect both nationally and internationally.
Uniquely, Rajnath Singh stands as the sole mass-class leader within the BJP, fearlessly voicing his independent views, even on issues that challenge party lines. His multifaceted personality and staunch democratic principles set him apart as a distinguished force in Indian politics.
In a hard-hitting exchange with senior journalist Ravindra Ojha of The Interview World, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared his unwavering commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) nationwide following Prime Minister Modi’s third term, while delivering a scathing critique of opposition parties’ stance.
Q: How does the INDIA bloc approach the issue of reservation based on religion, and what are the implications of their stance for social justice and equality in India?
A: Religious-based reservation is categorically impermissible. Our Constitution staunchly bars any such provision. The INDIA bloc’s deceitful tactics are directly responsible for the erosion of credibility in Indian politics.
The proposition to abolish reservation is baseless and without merit. Our Constitution unequivocally rejects any notion of reservation based on religion. Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering stance ensures the continuity of the current reservation system.
The opposition’s shameless attempts to manipulate public sentiment for electoral advantage are glaring. Congress and its allies bear full responsibility for the crisis of credibility gripping Indian politics.
Q: The opposition claims that the BJP, following its significant electoral victory, is trying to alter the Constitution. What is your response to these allegations?
A: These allegations are utterly baseless and are actively deceiving the entire nation. Congress, without reservation, has engineered the lion’s share of amendments to our sacred Constitution. Despite the unanimous stance against tampering with the Constitution’s Preamble, the Congress regime, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi in 1976, audaciously made amendments to it.
Moreover, the opposition is shamelessly spreading unfounded rumors, insinuating that if PM Modi secures commanding 400-plus seats, the Constitution will face unwarranted modifications. Let us not forget that the Congress party has consistently posed an existential threat to democracy. It was none other than the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who ruthlessly imposed the draconian Emergency, casting a dark shadow over our nation’s freedoms.
Additionally, the Congress-led government under her tenure unapologetically abused Article 356, arbitrarily dismissing the highest number of state governments, blatantly undermining the democratic fabric of our nation.
Q: What are the political implications and strategic significance of the BJP’s slogan ‘400 paar’ in the context of the upcoming general elections?
A: Political pundits nationwide emphatically declare that a BJP-led NDA government will unquestionably emerge victorious this election cycle. With unwavering determination, we are aggressively marching towards our target of seizing 400 seats. This isn’t a mere assertion but an undeniable reality. The BJP is relentlessly surging ahead to clinch 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
Upon accomplishing this monumental feat, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will inevitably align themselves with India, and the Congress party’s grip on the nation will promptly crumble.
Q: Given the intermittent territorial incursions by China, what message would you like to convey to the citizens of our country?
A: India has emerged as a potent force, bolstering its military might significantly. Simultaneously, it ardently pursues amicable ties with neighboring nations. Ongoing dialogues between India and China proceed seamlessly, addressing key concerns in a conducive atmosphere. While awaiting the outcome, it’s paramount to reassure the nation that India remains resolute—never having yielded and never will.
Q: How do you evaluate the factors contributing to the rise in India’s defense exports over the past decade, and what implications might this trend have for the country’s strategic and economic position on the global stage?
A: India’s defense exports smashed through the ₹21,000 crore barrier in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking an astronomical surge. From a mere ₹600 crore in 2014, our defense item exports have skyrocketed, now exceeding ₹21,000 crore. This meteoric rise is unstoppable.
Under the Modi government’s resolute leadership, there is an unwavering commitment to fortifying indigenous defense production. Missiles, weaponry, bombs, or tanks—every essential component is being forged within India, by Indian hands. Presently, our triumphs in defense production have surpassed a staggering ₹1 lakh crore milestone.
Q: What are your thoughts on the concept of Ram Rajya, and how do you interpret its significance and application in contemporary society?
A: Ram Rajya epitomizes an unwavering commitment to responsibility, epitomizing a governance paradigm that unconditionally champions the welfare of every citizen, irrespective of caste, creed, or religious affiliation.
Embedded within the very fabric of the BJP’s manifesto, this noble aspiration underscores the resounding economic progress achieved under the visionary leadership of PM Modi. Rejecting outright any semblance of a theocratic regime, Ram Rajya stands as a bastion of inclusivity, transcending divisive dogmas to embrace the collective ethos of duty and obligation.
It represents a formidable force, rallying the populace towards a higher purpose, galvanizing them to strive for excellence and equity. Under its banner, India marches forward with unyielding determination, propelled by the indomitable spirit of progress and prosperity for all.
Q: What’s the correlation between modern political announcements and their subsequent fulfillment?
A: Politicians stand under the unyielding obligation to synchronize their rhetoric with their actions, leaving no room for incongruence. In a landscape once mired by a severe crisis of trust in political circles, the BJP defiantly confronted the challenge head-on and emerged victorious. Securing resounding majorities in both chambers of Parliament, the BJP executed bold strokes by abrogating Article 370 and eradicating the practice of triple talaq.
It was under the indomitable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the OBC Commission was accorded the sanctity of constitutional status. Our solemn pledges to the citizens of this great nation are not mere utterances; they are sacred vows etched in the fabric of governance, meticulously upheld with unwavering dedication and tireless endeavor. In every stride we take, we march forward with conviction, knowing that our actions speak louder than words, and our commitment to progress remains unshakable.
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