‘Not allowed to attend mother’s last rites’: Rajnath on Emergency; slams Oppn’s ‘dictator’ charges

Countering the Opposition for its accusation of “undeclared dictatorship” against the Narendra Modi government, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said it was the Congress government that imposed Emergency in the country.

Recounting his experience from the era in an interview with ANI, Singh said he was newly-married and 24 years old when he was picked up by police and thrown into jail where he languished for about 18 months. During his imprisonment, Singh said, he was not given parole to visit his mother who was ailing, and was not even allowed to attend her last rites after she passed away.

He said he never thought of not protesting against the Emergency.

“There was a spirit to go to any extent against Emergency. Disappointment and despair never arose in my mind,” he said.

‘Modi will win 3rd term and 4th too’

The defence minister, who spoke on a host of other issues, exuded confidence about the NDA government under Prime Minister Modi returning to power not just for a third term but also for a fourth one.

“He will stay in office till he is capable, till the nation wants him,” he said.

He expressed confidence that his party would “sweep” Karnataka and would win some seats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well.

“Just wait for the results, you will know. In Kerala also, we will win some seats. We will put all efforts to win all seats in Tamil Nadu this time in the Lok Sabha elections. We will continue our efforts to form the government there in 2026,” said the defence minister.

On Electoral Bonds

On the Electoral Bonds scheme that has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Singh said the government had implemented the scheme after due deliberation, and that people would understand its benefits at an “appropriate time”.

Replying to questions regarding the alleged “quid pro quo” nature of several companies donating to the BJP, he said the Supreme Court had taken cognisance of the case and can see and give its verdict.

“The Supreme Court verdict is acceptable to us. We are not criticising the verdict. Secondly, some people say names are not being disclosed, names should be disclosed. So maybe a time will come when people will ask ‘who has given votes to whom’, this should also be disclosed,” he said.

He said the probe can continue and if persons are held guilty, requisite action can be taken.

‘Congress manifesto regressive’

The defense minister also took potshots at the Congress, calling its manifesto for the upcoming polls “regressive”. He said the BJP’s manifesto, which would be released soon, would be “progressive”.

Stating that minority appeasement was not new for the Congress, Singh said the BJP does not believe in taking that path.

On the Congress’s promise to scrap the Agniveer scheme, the BJP leader said that the Congress was making such promises because it is aware that it would not be able to form the government.