Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh (born 10 July 1951) is an Indian politician serving as the Defence Minister of India. He is the former President of Bharatiya Janata Party. He has previously served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister in the Vajpayee Government. He was the Home Minister in the First Modi Ministry. He has also served as the President of the BJP twice i.e 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

Rajnath Singh
Singh in 2020
Minister of Defence
Assumed office
31 May 2019
PresidentRam Nath Kovind
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byNirmala Sitharaman
Minister of Home Affairs
In office
26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
PresidentPranab Mukherjee
Ram Nath Kovind
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded bySushilkumar Shinde
Succeeded byAmit Shah
President of the Bharatiya Janata Party
In office
24 January 2013 – 8 July 2014
Preceded byNitin Jairam Gadkari
Succeeded byAmit Shah
In office
31 December 2005 – 19 December 2009
Preceded byL. K. Advani
Succeeded byNitin Gadkari
Minister of Agriculture
In office
24 May 2003 – 22 May 2004
Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee
Preceded byAjit Singh
Succeeded bySharad Pawar
19th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
In office
28 October 2000 – 8 March 2002
GovernorSuraj Bhan
Vishnu Kant Shastri
Preceded byRam Prakash Gupta
Succeeded byPresident's rule
Minister of Road Transport and Highways
In office
22 November 1999 – 27 October 2000
Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee
Preceded byNitish Kumar
Succeeded byB. C. Khanduri
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
5 June 2014
Preceded byLalji Tandon
ConstituencyLucknow
In office
31 May 2009 – 5 June 2014
Preceded byConstituency established
Succeeded byVijay Kumar Singh
ConstituencyGhaziabad
Personal details
Born (1951-07-10) 10 July 1951
Bhabhaura, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Other political
affiliations		Bharatiya Jana Sangh (Before 1977)
Spouse(s)Savitri Singh
Children3, including Pankaj Singh
Alma materGorakhpur University (M.Sc. in Physics)
WebsiteOfficial website

Early life

Singh was born in Bhabhaura village of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. His father was Ram Badan Singh and his mother was Gujarati Devi.[1] He was born into a family of farmers and went on to secure a master's degree in physics, acquiring first division results from the Gorakhpur University.He worked as a lecturer of Physics at K.B. Post-Graduate College Mirzapur, UP.[2] He was born in a poor family of Hindu Rajput caste[3][4] and he had been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 1964, at the age of 13 and remained connected with the organisation. In 1974, he was appointed secretary for the Mirzapur unit of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, predecessor of Bharatiya Janata Party.[5]

Political career

In 1975, aged 24, Singh was appointed District President of the Jana Sangh. In 1977, he was elected Member of Legislative Assembly from the Mirzapur. He became the State President of the BJP youth wing in 1984, the National general secretary in 1986 and the National President in 1988. He was also elected into the Uttar Pradesh legislative council.[5]

In 1991, he became Education Minister in the first BJP government in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Major highlights of his tenure as Education Minister included Anti-Copying Act, 1992, which made copying a non-bailable offence,[6] modernising science texts and incorporating vedic mathematics into the syllabus.[7]

Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh

In 1991, when Bharatiya Janata Party made its government first time in Uttar Pradesh, he was appointed as Education Minister. He remained Minister for a tenure of 2 Years.[8]

Controversy as Minister

During his tenure, he was responsible for pushing Anti-Copying Act due to which Cheating increased and sparkled a Controversy.[9]

Union Surface Transport Minister (1999-2000)

In April 1994, he was elected into the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Parliament) and he became involved with the Advisory committee on Industry (1994–96), Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Agriculture, Business Advisory Committee, House Committee and the Committee on Human Resource Development.[5] On 25 March 1997, he became the President of the BJP's unit in Uttar Pradesh and in 1999 he became the Union Cabinet Minister for Surface Transport.[5]

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2000-02)

In 2000, he became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and was twice elected as MLA from Haidergarh in 2001 and 2002.[6] He tried to rationalise the reservation structure in government jobs by introducing the most Backward Classes among the OBC and SC, so that the benefit of reservation can reach the lowest status of Society.[10]

On 7 February 2001, Singh inaugurated the DND Flyway which connects Delhi to Noida.[11]

Union Agriculture Minister (2003-04)

In 2003, Singh was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and subsequently for Food Processing in the NDA Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and was faced with the difficult task of maintaining one of the most volatile areas of India's economy.[12] During this period he initiated a few epoch-making projects including the Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme.[13] He brought down interest rates on Agriculture loans and also established Farmer Commission and initiated Farms Income Insurance Scheme.[10]

National President of the BJP (2005-09)

After the BJP lost power in the 2004 general elections, it was forced to sit in the Opposition. After the resignation of prominent figure Lal Krishna Advani, and the murder of strategist Pramod Mahajan, Singh sought to rebuild the party by focusing on the most basic Hindutva ideologies.[14] He announced his position of "no compromise" in relation to the building of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya at any cost[14] and commended the rule of Vajpayee as Prime Minister, pointing towards all the developments the NDA made for the ordinary people of India.[15] He also criticised the role of the English language in India, claiming that most of Indian population is unable to participate in Indian economy and cultural discourse due to extreme preferences shown to English at the expense of native languages.[16]

He became the BJP National President on 31 December 2005, a post he held till 19 December 2009. In May 2009, he was elected MP from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.[17]

On 24 January 2013, following the resignation of Nitin Gadkari due to corruption charges, Singh was re-elected as the BJP's National President.[18]

Singh is on record shortly after the law Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was re-instated in 2013, claiming that his party is "unambiguously" in favour of the law, also claiming that "We will state (at an all-party meeting if it is called) that we support Section 377 because we believe that homosexuality is an unnatural act and cannot be supported.”[19]

He contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow constituency and was subsequently elected as a Member of the Parliament.[20]

Union Home Minister (2014-19)
Shri Raj Nath Singh taking charge as the Union Minister for Home Affairs, in New Delhi on 29 May 2014.

He was appointed the Union Minister of Home Affairs in the Narendra Modi government and was sworn in on 26 May 2014.[21]

Controversy over JNU Matter

He triggered controversy amid the protests over the police action at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), on 14 February 2016, claiming that the "JNU incident" was supported by Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed.[22]

In May 2016, he claimed that infiltration from Pakistan declined by 52% in a period of two years.[23]

Bharat Ke Veer App

On 9 April 2017, he launched Bharat Ke Veer Web portal and Application with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. This was an initiative taken by him for the welfare of Martyrs' family.[24]

An official anthem was launched on 20 January 2018 for the cause 'Bharat Ke Veer' by him along with film star Akshay Kumar, and other ministers Kiren Rijiju, Hansraj Ahir.[25]

Doklam Matter

Doklam is a disputed Territory for Bhutan and China[26], where China claimed Doklam as its Territory and due to which their started Tension between Indian Army and Liberation Army of China.[27] Over the matter Singh assured Public to solve the matter and he had a talk with Officials of Chinese Communist Party over the Relations between the both Nation and later, the Tension solved at large extent.[28][29]

Commissioning of Bastariya Battalion

On 21 May 2018, he commissioned Bastariya Battalion. As Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh attended the passing out parade of 241 Bastariya Battalion of CRPF in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh on 21 May 2018.[30]

Union Defence Minister (2019- present)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions INS Khanderi at Mumbai
Rajnath Singh recieving First Fleet of Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet Plane.

Singh became the Defence minister of India on 31 May 2019.[31] Singh was given Ministry of Defence (India) after Amit Shah was given the Ministry of Home Affairs (India).

Rafale Fighter Plane

Rafale or Dassault Rafale is a fighter plane of French origin whose deal was signed by then Minister of Defence (India), Manohar Parrikar in 2016 to increase the strength of Indian Air Force.[32] The Government of India had Signed to buy 126 Fighter Plane costing $30 Billions.[33] At the time of Recieval of Fighter Plane, he was the Defence Minister of India.

Recieving First Plane

India received its first Dassault Rafale on 8 October 2019 when he personally went to France to receive it.[34] The first fleet of 5 Fighter Planes with 7 Fighter Pilots was landed at Ambala Air Force Station.[35]

Second Fleet

India received Second fleet of Rafale fighter plane on 29 June 2020 and it is said this was done after Galwan Valley skirmish to fear India's Enemy, specially China.[36]

Over the matter he said that "Those wanting to threaten India's territorial Integrity should be aware of India's new capability."[37]

Indo-China Border Tension

From July 2020, there has been Tension for Standoff between Security forces of India and China over the Border Region of Ladakh.[38] This situation under Duration of time become more tense leading to War- like Situations between the 2 Nations involving United States and other Nations.[39] In this tension 20 Soldier of Bihar Regiment martyred their Lives.[40][41]

Rajnath Singh over the Matter

Over the matter Singh had a meeting with Officials of Indian Army and also visited Ladakh Range Region and talked to them over the matter.[42] He had also meeting with Chief of the Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Army general Manoj Mukund Naravane to tighten the Situation.[43]

Strict Instruction to Security Forces

After the killing of 20 Troops by People's Liberation Army over the Meeting in Galwan Valley, he and Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar played a crucial Role.[44] Over the matter Singh gave Security forces open hand to deal with the Chinese Forces and not to trust them.[45][46][47] He also said that he can't gaurantees to what Extend the tension would go.[48]

Conclusion

Later the situation was handled.[49][50]

Office Held
  • In 1977, MLA from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
  • In 1984, President of BJP Youth Wing.
  • In 1988, MLC from Uttar Pradesh.
  • In 1986, General Secretary of BJP Youth Wing.
  • In 1988, National President of BJP Youth Wing.
  • Rajnath Singh in a BJP rally in Uttar Pradesh.
    In 1991, Education Minister of Uttar Pradeh.[1991-1992]
  • In 1994, Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha.
  • In 1997, President of BJP State Unit of Uttar Pradesh.[1997-1998]
  • In 1999, Union Minister of Transportation.[1999-2000]
  • In 2000, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.[2000-2002]
  • In 2002, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
  • In 2003, Union Agriculture Minister.[2003-2004]
  • In 2005, National President of BJP.[2005-2009]
  • In 2013, Re-elected as Party President.[2013-2014]
  • In 2014, Member of Parliament from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
  • In 2014, Member of Parliament from Lucknow, Union Minister of Home Affairs.[2014-2019]
  • In 2019, Re-elected, Member of Parliament from Lucknow, Union Minister of Defence.

Personal Life

He is married to Savitri Singh in year 1971 in Uttar Pradesh.[51] He has 3 Children, 2 sons and 1 daughter namely Pankaj Singh, Neeraj Singh and Anamika Singh.[52]

His son Pankaj Singh is a politician and Member of the Legislative Assembly from Noida (Assembly constituency), Uttar Pradesh from BJP.[53]

Also See

References
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  2. "Biography – Rajnath Singh". www.rajnathsingh.in. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  3. "Lok Sabha Elections 2019: To woo Rajputs, Rajnath Singh to hold rally in UP's Sikandrabad". Hindustan Times. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  4. "Jaswant is sacked without show-cause notice, but Vasundhara could defy directive to resign". Indian Express. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  5. "Profile: Rajnath Singh". Zee News. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  6. "How Rajnath Singh rose through the ranks". Rediff.com. 31 January 2013
  7. "Who is Rajnath Singh? : India, News". India Today. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  8. https://ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/RMprofile6619.pdf
  9. "Did you know⁠? India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has a master's degree in physics⁠ — and other interesting facts about his life". Business Insider. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  10. "Achievements". rajnathsingh.in
  11. "'Noida jinx' to keep Akhilesh Yadav away from PM event". The Economic Times. 29 December 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  12. "Courage, Mr Rajnath Singh". The Hindu. 11 June 2003.
  13. "Shri Rajnath Singh, MP (Ghaziabad)". wikimapia.org
  14. Ghatak, Lopamudra (23 December 2006). "It's basic instinct for Rajnath Singh". The Times of India.
  15. Rajnath Singh is new BJP President Archived 11 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. indianewsdiary.com
  16. "BJP chief claims English bad for India, triggers outrage." The Times of India. 20 July 2013
  17. "Ministry of Home Affairs" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 June 2017.
  18. "Rajnath steps down, Gadkari takes over as BJP president". The Times of India. Press Trust of India. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  19. Rameshan, Radhika (13 December 2011). "BJP comes out, vows to oppose homosexuality". The Telegraph.
  20. "Rajnath Singh surpasses Vajpayee’s victory margin in Lucknow". The Hindu. 18 May 2014
  21. "Portfolios of the Union Council of Ministers". www.pmindia.gov.in. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  22. "Understand the reality… Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed backed JNU incident: Home Minister Rajnath Singh". 15 February 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  23. "Narendra Modi's 56-inch chest not reduced an inch: Rajnath Singh", Deccan Chronicle, 28 May 2016
  24. "Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates Web Portal 'Bharat ke Veer'". pib.nic.in. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  25. "Akshay Kumar, Rajnath Singh unveil official anthem of 'Bharat Ke Veer'". 20 January 2018.
  26. Doklam
  27. 2017 China–India border standoff
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  30. "First ever graduation parade of 'Bastariya Battalion' held in Chhattisgarh". India Today. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  31. "PM Modi allocates portfolios. Full list of new ministers", Live Mint, 31 May 2019
  32. P, Rajat; Feb 1, it / TNN / Updated; 2012; Ist, 05:32. "French jet Rafale bags $20bn IAF fighter order; India 'briefs' losing European countries | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 August 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. Sagar, Pradip R. (26 January 2014). "dna exclusive: 100% price escalation on Rafale fighter aircraft to Rs 1.75 lakh crore likely to dent IAF's strike capability". DNA India. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  34. "Rajnath Singh receives first Rafale in France; delivery in May 2020". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 8 October 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 August 2020.CS1 maint: others (link)
  35. Philip, Snehesh Alex (29 July 2020). "India's Rafale lands in Ambala, Rajnath warns those who threaten territorial integrity". ThePrint. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  36. Sood, Rakesh (16 October 2018). "Decoding the Rafale controversy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  37. "Welcoming Rafale, Rajnath gives a veiled warning to China". Livemint. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  38. 2020 China–India skirmishes
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  45. "3 staggered clashes took place in Galwan Valley". Hindustan Times. 21 June 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  46. "Galwan braves get a pat on the back from Rajnath Singh in Ladakh's Lukung". Hindustan Times. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  47. "Rajnath Singh personally conveyed appreciation to soldiers for displaying bravery in Galwan clash". The Economic Times. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  48. Desk, India com News (17 July 2020). "Can Not Guarantee to What Extent India, China Border Dispute Can be Resolved, Says Rajnath Singh". India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  49. Jun 18, TIMESOFINDIA COM / Updated; 2020; Ist, 23:12. "India-China border dispute at Galwan valley: Top developments | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 August 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  50. "India-China border tensions Live: World wants to know who India's braves are, says PM Modi". Deccan Herald. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  51. "Rajnath Singh | National Portal of India". www.india.gov.in. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  52. https://ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/RMprofile6619.pdf
  53. Shukla, Ankita (17 November 2018). "राजनाथ सिंह जीवनी, इतिहास, जाति, शिक्षा, परिवार, पत्नी, माता, पिता !!". Oye Hero. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
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