During an intellectual gathering in his parliamentary constituency, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he believes the completion of the Ayodhya temple marks the beginning of Ram Rajya in India. However, he made it clear that the concept should not be interpreted as an argument for a theocratic state. Instead, he explained that by Ram Rajya he means the culture of responsibility and duty would begin in citizens.
Singh said Lord Ram is the central figure in their faith, and the fulfillment of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is proof of it. He drew parallels from the Ramayan, saying the root cause of the crisis was the lack of a sense of duty, as evident from the crisis caused by Kaikeyi's acts. He said duty is above rights.
On the politics in India, Singh lamented the loss of the real essence of the term "politics" in the country. He said there is a need for politicians who can bring back credibility and respect their promises, thereby earning the trust of the people.
On his political career, Singh said he, too, was in the past guilty of making promises to the people, which he found impossible to fulfill later. He said he would not make direct promises in the future, only promise to work.
Singh said that his party has been working on fulfilling electoral promises; he said the abolition of the triple talaq system is an example of working toward a decision, regardless of religion.
He said India's stature has gone up globally under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said it is because of Modi that India is noticed and respected across the global stage. He drew parallels with Pakistan, which is stuck in struggling moments. He said even a Pakistani MP has admitted that India is racing ahead in terms of economic growth and its impact on global politics.
Singh reiterated the commitment for the fulfillment of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision for Lucknow, pointing out the speedy abrogation of Article 370 as their commitment to even-handed governance.
Finally, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Singh for his services toward their constituency as Singh gears up to contest for a third consecutive term in the upcoming elections on May 20.
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