Despite a lower back injury, defence minister Rajnath Singh is keeping a gruelling schedule, criss-crossing the country to campaign for BJP candidates. During his brief stopover a day before his constituency Lucknow was to vote, he spoke to TOI on a diverse set of issues. Excerpts from the interview:
BJP’s slogan is ‘400 paar’ for NDA, whereas opposition parties claim it won’t be able to cross even 200 seats.The gap between the two claims is yawning. Who should be trusted?
■ Our target is our pledge (sankalp)… The four rounds of polls have already given a majority to BJP and we are well on course to winning more than 400 seats for the alliance. Our target is based on the groundswell of support and the feedback of people. We have done a realistic assessment of our prospects, and the target is realistic.
Anti-incumbency after two terms is inevitable. It’s not possible to fulfil expectations of all and disappointment is a natural corollary. Why do you still feel so confident?
■ There is no doubt that fulfilling 100% expectations and aspirations of one and all is a challenging task. However, there should not be a question mark on the credibility of party members. Everybody has seen that the BJP brass has fulfilled whatever it has promised. Yo u can look at our party manifesto since 1950… whenever we got a majority we acted on our promises and delivered.
But there must be some apprehension about the winnability of candidates who have already completed two terms… there might be anti-incumbency against them.
■ See, I don’t deny that it is possible to some extent. But it gets trumped by the bigger issues in play: the way the country’s stature has risen globally, the way social welfare schemes have impacted each household and empowered them, I am sure people will repose faith in BJP. People sometimes express unhappiness about a particular individual but their trust in the leadership of Narendra Modi is unflinching and they say ‘aayega to Modi hi’.
There was resentment among workers, especially in west UP, against some candidates.
■ Every party goes for assessment through some agency or other means. Most decisions are taken based on the observations following assessment. I will not say that whatever decisions thus taken are 100% right. The probability of error is there in everything.
Then why is Hindu-Muslim debate dominating the election discourse?
■ We never do Hindu-Muslim politics. We believe in the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ — the whole world is a family — given by our sages since ancient times. So there is no question of discrimination on caste and community lines. Has there been any discrimination in delivery of social welfare schemes? I want you to quote PM Modi on this issue and I can give you a number of examples when the PM himself has clarified.
But top BJP functionaries, including the PM, are saying that properties will be taken over by Congress and given to Muslims.
Your party is talking about inheritance tax and X-ray of properties that Rahul Gandhi mentioned in his speeches.
■ We never say that it will be given solely to Muslims. But what kind of ideas are being fancied by the opposition? They should learn from the examples of other countries, like Brazil, Venezuela, etc. They turned bankrupt only due to such ideologies. I am surprised that such views still have takers. What do you do with such a mindset? Why will an investor come? Why will one earn if it will ultimately be taken away by the likes of Sam Pitroda?
Opposition parties, especially Arvind Kejriwal, are claiming that Modi will pass the baton to Amit Shah.
■ First of all, their claim has a message that they have already accepted their defeat and admitted that Modi will be PM once again. However, who is he (Kejriwal) to take a decision for BJP? Such a decision can be taken only by the political party concerned… in our case, it is parliamentary board that takes such decisions. The board has already announced that Modi will be PM. In fact, Modi will be PM also in 2029. India will be a developed nation under his stewardship. People of the country want him to continue as the PM.
Kejriwal is also saying that Yogi Adityanath will be replaced as Uttar Pradesh CM if BJP returns to office.
■ Why? He (Adityanath) has done splendid work as chief minister. Law and order situation is in its best phase. The state has witnessed unprecedented development. Kaise hata diya jaayega? But let me tell you one thing, such talk by opposition parties also reflects that they have nothing to speak against the Modi govt, its performance as they are more focused on talking about BJP and making wild statements. It shows Congress and the opposition bloc is distressed and desperate.
But such claims got credence after Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Manohar Lal Khattar were replaced as CMs in MP and Haryana respectively?
■ (Interrupts). Shivraj Singh Chouhan had an impeccable record as CM. He was CM for 18-19 years. He is a senior member of our party. There are plenty of responsibilities in the party… Centre is also there.
There was said to be a party rule that those above 75 years would not contest polls. The decision was taken when you were party president.
■ (Interrupts). It was never decided. You can write in bold letters that no such decision was taken… I was party president, and I am saying it forcefully that there was no such decision at all. Had it been decided, it would have been mentioned in the party constitution. Moreover, had there been such a decision, our senior member L K Advani ji would not have contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.There were several others above 75 years who contested and won Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019.
You have spoken several times that India will reclaim POK.
■ I have been speaking about this for many years, it’s our commitment. I anticipate that people of POK will take a call and assert that they want to part ways with Pakistan and merge with India. Yo u must have seen people of POK removing the Pakistani flag.
There is a statement by you that India will kill its enemies even if they are hiding in some other country.
■ Let me repeat what exactly I said. India has never attacked any country or captured its land. Hum kisi ko aankh dikhate nahi, par koi dikhata hai to usko muhtod jawab dene ki taqat hai (We don’t go around threatening, but are capable of hitting back if someone tries to mess with us).
Your party is claiming major gains in south India. You had several rallies there. Do you think BJP will do better in these states?
■ We are confident of a better performance. Even in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, our party is expected to win a few seats. Our vote share will increase significantly even in Tamil Nadu. However, our party is certainly winning big in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
There is a perception in Odisha that BJD and BJP are engaged in shadow boxing and Naveen Patnaik will let BJP improve its share of Lok Sabha seats and you, in turn, will not obstruct a fresh term for him.
■ It is not at all true. Politics is serious business. BJP is an ideologydriven party and it does not resort to such games.
From 2014 to 2019, you were home minister and then defence minister. What role do you see for yourself in the future?
■ This is for the party to decide. It is not necessary one continues to have responsibility throughout his life. Till the time I can work, I will discharge my responsibilities honestly and with ideological commitment. There is no discrimination at all. I believe our ideology does not allow discrimination based on caste, creed and religion.
You said one issue in this election is that India’s pride and respect has increased in foreign countries. How have you reached this conclusion?
■ I had cited the example of an event that was held a few days ago in which the US ambassador was speaking. He said if you want to feel the future, come to India; if you want to see the future, come to India and if you want to work in the future, come to India. Several state heads have already said that 21st century belongs to India. There is no confusion that PM Narendra Modi has done exemplary work. Even the opponents would not deny this if asked privately. He has made the country’s economy stronger.
BJP is raising the Swati Maliwal issue in a big way.
■ It is very sad and unfortunate. I did say a day ago that it is unfortunate that such misbehaviour with a woman Rajya Sabha member has taken place at the CM’s residence. I do not have to say anything about Akhilesh Yadav, but as a well-wisher, my suggestion is that he should not have shared the dais with Arvind Kejriwal.
Some people say RSS is not actively involved in polls this time.
■ (Laughs). There is no basis to it. It’s a wrong narrative. Shows the desperation of our opponents.
This is the first election after construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. It was believed that there would be excitement among people. However, the dip in voting indicates otherwise.
■ Results have not come yet… (smiles). Secondly, BJP has never treated Ram temple as an election issue. It’s an issue of belief, faith and cultural heritage. We never saw this with the lens of politics. There should be development along with conservation of cultural legacy and heritage.
Is there a concern regarding the polling percentage?
■ It’s hot these days. Secondly, INDI Alliance has not been effective. There is no enthusiasm in its voters.
What is your prediction for Amethi and Rae Bareli?
■ BJP.
Will your victory margin in Lucknow increase?
■ It will cross 5 lakh if turnout improves.
Your govt has taken a pledge (Viksit Bharat sankalp) to make India a developed country by 2047. For the past 10 years, the foundation for the same is being laid. How good is progress?
■ The foundation is very strong. It is for this reason the country has emerged as the fastest growing economy. The big size of the economy as well as the pace at which it is growing proves that the country will achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
BJP’s slogan is ‘400 paar’ for NDA, whereas opposition parties claim it won’t be able to cross even 200 seats.The gap between the two claims is yawning. Who should be trusted?
■ Our target is our pledge (sankalp)… The four rounds of polls have already given a majority to BJP and we are well on course to winning more than 400 seats for the alliance. Our target is based on the groundswell of support and the feedback of people. We have done a realistic assessment of our prospects, and the target is realistic.
Anti-incumbency after two terms is inevitable. It’s not possible to fulfil expectations of all and disappointment is a natural corollary. Why do you still feel so confident?
■ There is no doubt that fulfilling 100% expectations and aspirations of one and all is a challenging task. However, there should not be a question mark on the credibility of party members. Everybody has seen that the BJP brass has fulfilled whatever it has promised. Yo u can look at our party manifesto since 1950… whenever we got a majority we acted on our promises and delivered.
But there must be some apprehension about the winnability of candidates who have already completed two terms… there might be anti-incumbency against them.
■ See, I don’t deny that it is possible to some extent. But it gets trumped by the bigger issues in play: the way the country’s stature has risen globally, the way social welfare schemes have impacted each household and empowered them, I am sure people will repose faith in BJP. People sometimes express unhappiness about a particular individual but their trust in the leadership of Narendra Modi is unflinching and they say ‘aayega to Modi hi’.
There was resentment among workers, especially in west UP, against some candidates.
■ Every party goes for assessment through some agency or other means. Most decisions are taken based on the observations following assessment. I will not say that whatever decisions thus taken are 100% right. The probability of error is there in everything.
Then why is Hindu-Muslim debate dominating the election discourse?
■ We never do Hindu-Muslim politics. We believe in the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ — the whole world is a family — given by our sages since ancient times. So there is no question of discrimination on caste and community lines. Has there been any discrimination in delivery of social welfare schemes? I want you to quote PM Modi on this issue and I can give you a number of examples when the PM himself has clarified.
But top BJP functionaries, including the PM, are saying that properties will be taken over by Congress and given to Muslims.
Your party is talking about inheritance tax and X-ray of properties that Rahul Gandhi mentioned in his speeches.
■ We never say that it will be given solely to Muslims. But what kind of ideas are being fancied by the opposition? They should learn from the examples of other countries, like Brazil, Venezuela, etc. They turned bankrupt only due to such ideologies. I am surprised that such views still have takers. What do you do with such a mindset? Why will an investor come? Why will one earn if it will ultimately be taken away by the likes of Sam Pitroda?
Opposition parties, especially Arvind Kejriwal, are claiming that Modi will pass the baton to Amit Shah.
■ First of all, their claim has a message that they have already accepted their defeat and admitted that Modi will be PM once again. However, who is he (Kejriwal) to take a decision for BJP? Such a decision can be taken only by the political party concerned… in our case, it is parliamentary board that takes such decisions. The board has already announced that Modi will be PM. In fact, Modi will be PM also in 2029. India will be a developed nation under his stewardship. People of the country want him to continue as the PM.
Kejriwal is also saying that Yogi Adityanath will be replaced as Uttar Pradesh CM if BJP returns to office.
■ Why? He (Adityanath) has done splendid work as chief minister. Law and order situation is in its best phase. The state has witnessed unprecedented development. Kaise hata diya jaayega? But let me tell you one thing, such talk by opposition parties also reflects that they have nothing to speak against the Modi govt, its performance as they are more focused on talking about BJP and making wild statements. It shows Congress and the opposition bloc is distressed and desperate.
But such claims got credence after Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Manohar Lal Khattar were replaced as CMs in MP and Haryana respectively?
■ (Interrupts). Shivraj Singh Chouhan had an impeccable record as CM. He was CM for 18-19 years. He is a senior member of our party. There are plenty of responsibilities in the party… Centre is also there.
There was said to be a party rule that those above 75 years would not contest polls. The decision was taken when you were party president.
■ (Interrupts). It was never decided. You can write in bold letters that no such decision was taken… I was party president, and I am saying it forcefully that there was no such decision at all. Had it been decided, it would have been mentioned in the party constitution. Moreover, had there been such a decision, our senior member L K Advani ji would not have contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.There were several others above 75 years who contested and won Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019.
You have spoken several times that India will reclaim POK.
■ I have been speaking about this for many years, it’s our commitment. I anticipate that people of POK will take a call and assert that they want to part ways with Pakistan and merge with India. Yo u must have seen people of POK removing the Pakistani flag.
There is a statement by you that India will kill its enemies even if they are hiding in some other country.
■ Let me repeat what exactly I said. India has never attacked any country or captured its land. Hum kisi ko aankh dikhate nahi, par koi dikhata hai to usko muhtod jawab dene ki taqat hai (We don’t go around threatening, but are capable of hitting back if someone tries to mess with us).
Your party is claiming major gains in south India. You had several rallies there. Do you think BJP will do better in these states?
■ We are confident of a better performance. Even in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, our party is expected to win a few seats. Our vote share will increase significantly even in Tamil Nadu. However, our party is certainly winning big in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
There is a perception in Odisha that BJD and BJP are engaged in shadow boxing and Naveen Patnaik will let BJP improve its share of Lok Sabha seats and you, in turn, will not obstruct a fresh term for him.
■ It is not at all true. Politics is serious business. BJP is an ideologydriven party and it does not resort to such games.
From 2014 to 2019, you were home minister and then defence minister. What role do you see for yourself in the future?
■ This is for the party to decide. It is not necessary one continues to have responsibility throughout his life. Till the time I can work, I will discharge my responsibilities honestly and with ideological commitment. There is no discrimination at all. I believe our ideology does not allow discrimination based on caste, creed and religion.
You said one issue in this election is that India’s pride and respect has increased in foreign countries. How have you reached this conclusion?
■ I had cited the example of an event that was held a few days ago in which the US ambassador was speaking. He said if you want to feel the future, come to India; if you want to see the future, come to India and if you want to work in the future, come to India. Several state heads have already said that 21st century belongs to India. There is no confusion that PM Narendra Modi has done exemplary work. Even the opponents would not deny this if asked privately. He has made the country’s economy stronger.
BJP is raising the Swati Maliwal issue in a big way.
■ It is very sad and unfortunate. I did say a day ago that it is unfortunate that such misbehaviour with a woman Rajya Sabha member has taken place at the CM’s residence. I do not have to say anything about Akhilesh Yadav, but as a well-wisher, my suggestion is that he should not have shared the dais with Arvind Kejriwal.
Some people say RSS is not actively involved in polls this time.
■ (Laughs). There is no basis to it. It’s a wrong narrative. Shows the desperation of our opponents.
This is the first election after construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. It was believed that there would be excitement among people. However, the dip in voting indicates otherwise.
■ Results have not come yet… (smiles). Secondly, BJP has never treated Ram temple as an election issue. It’s an issue of belief, faith and cultural heritage. We never saw this with the lens of politics. There should be development along with conservation of cultural legacy and heritage.
Is there a concern regarding the polling percentage?
■ It’s hot these days. Secondly, INDI Alliance has not been effective. There is no enthusiasm in its voters.
What is your prediction for Amethi and Rae Bareli?
■ BJP.
Will your victory margin in Lucknow increase?
■ It will cross 5 lakh if turnout improves.
Your govt has taken a pledge (Viksit Bharat sankalp) to make India a developed country by 2047. For the past 10 years, the foundation for the same is being laid. How good is progress?
■ The foundation is very strong. It is for this reason the country has emerged as the fastest growing economy. The big size of the economy as well as the pace at which it is growing proves that the country will achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
