Leaders should not have animosity for political opponents: Rajnath


NEW DELHI, Nov 14: Home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hit back at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying no leader should have animosity towards the political opponents and parties should not try to create a sense of fear in the minds of people.

Addressing a function organized on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, he said the country's first prime minister had no animosity to his ideological opponents and had even invited RSS to take part in the Republic Day parade in 1963.

"We should never have ill feelings towards our political opponents. We should not create any fear psychosis in people's mind. We should not create any sense of fear by making unnecessary statement. We should create a sense of confidence among people. All political parties must work for that," he said.

Later when asked to explain why he made the statement, the home minister referred to the Congress vice president's statement at a similar function on Thursday.

In his speech, Rahul had said that "angry" people are nowadays running the country and had a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the "Swachhta Abhiyan", saying "photo opportunities" are galore.

"These days, the foundation of love and brotherhood is being demolished. On the one hand houses are being painted and roads are being cleaned. Photo opportunities are happening. Snaps are being taken. On the other hand, poison is being spread. The very foundations are being weakened," Rahul had said.

The home minister said there were many people in the country who thought that members of just one family can rule the country but the greatness of Indian democracy has proved that even a tea seller can become the Prime Minister.

"India cannot be ruled with a narrow mind. Nehru understood this fact fully. He had no animosity towards political opponents. Nehru had faith in Indian democracy and that this is not a democracy for the elite only. That is why even his political opponents liked him," he said.

Singh said a few years after India attained Independence, it was Nehru who had involved the RSS in a food campaign notwithstanding RSS's strong reservation on many of his policies.

Recalling a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, Singh said it was Modi who told him that the NDA government must take all steps for celebration of Nehru's birth anniversary.

"When suddenly one day, the Prime Minister told me that we must celebrate Nehru's birth anniversary, I was taken aback. I said it is a very good idea and we must go ahead," he said.

The home minister said there might be difference of opinion and ideology but no one can ever think or dare to question Nehru's intention to work for the welfare of the country, for betterment of India.

"We did not support Nehru's Kashmir policy. Many people did not support his policy on China. But no one can deny his significant contribution to nation building," he said.

Describing the country's first Prime Minister as a national leader, Singh said Nehru did a lot for improving country's economy as immediately after Independence, the economy was in bad shape.

"There was poverty and unemployment but he gave new direction to the economy and improved it," he said.

Singh said Nehru understood the limitations of other ideologies.

"It is because of his understanding of different ideologies that he thought that mixed economy would be best suited for India," he said.

The home minister said Nehru had promoted research in science and technology and also believed that India can give leadership in international affairs.

"At that time, the world was divided between two camps -- America and Russia. It was Nehru who had laid the foundation of the Non Aligned Movement," he said.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was also present on the occasion.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Sat, Nov 15 2014


    Rajnath must preach his fake advise to Modi and Amit Shah first.

    Anyone who heard pre election speeches of just the above two among the pack of jackals will know very well what Rajnath and the BJP stands for.

    Rajnath is actually trying to suppress any kind of constructive criticism against Modi or the BJP.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Romith, Mangaluru

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    Right sir we agree after all they are all partner in crime and loot...(Rajnath Singh = Digvijay Singh of BJP.)

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi, Kapu

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    All BJP supporters calm down. Let Congress supporters say whatever they want. Abusing, using foul language, making personal attacks is in the blood of all congress people. This time it was 44 seats, next time its gonna be even worse if BJP comes to people's expectations. BJP knows very well they will suffer the same fate as congress in next LS elections if they don't do anything good for the country. Now u can all disagree with my comments to take out some of ur frustration.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    BJP CM Raman Singh Advertises World Class health facilities on Chattisgarh spending crores of Rupees. The world class facilities have been exposed to public very recently. So the point is , what BJP says and what it actually does, there is a vast irreconcilable difference. So the first thing even a fierce BJP call centre employee could be thinking, he must be joking.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford Fernandes, Toronto

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    This is a cunny man and changes is color every hour. A political chameleon, he is well known for changing his actions and speeches as required by time. Do not believe him, he talks something and does another thing.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford Fernandes, Toronto

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    Please read as cunning man

    DisAgree [7] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • RK, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    It was modi now) more acceptance comes as FEKU )who started abusing political opponents ,so preach feku first

    DisAgree [11] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith, Mangalore

    Fri, Nov 14 2014

    Are Bhaiyya Rajnath-If you guys follow the decorum and dignity of Gandhi Family members we fully agree anyone can rule India.But your FEKU sadak chap chaiwala has used such a derogatory language during elections and has promised utopia to the Indian electorate has miserably failed to fulfill his fake promises.You guys have no right to rule but spread only poison in the society. Now tell me where is the 15 lakhs black money FEKU promised during elections. Are you guys Napunsak?

    DisAgree [11] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford Fernandes, Toronto

    Sat, Nov 15 2014

    There are lot of Indians here who are delaying to apply for Canadian citizenship thinking as Indians, they would get Rs: 15 lakhs. How long they have to wait, we do not know. Is it true or it was just an election gimmick ?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • vivek, hirebile / abu dhabi

    Fri, Nov 14 2014

    If there is NO animosity then it called as Compromised system...Protect each other, Hide mistake or just black mial while in power for Party Gain...that's what happening in our Country..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Fri, Nov 14 2014

    Look who is preaching.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Fri, Nov 14 2014

    Leaders animosity often turns out to be mere drama with the intent of 'ullu banawing' the public. Animosity among the stupid fans remains genuine though, ending up destroying each other!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D'souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Fri, Nov 14 2014

    If Rajnath Singh or any other leader for this matter,
    Really following the policy of not to have animosity for political opponents,
    Then what he is preaching is right.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse


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