Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting an example by pursuing the "nation first" ideology and walking the talk on issues like removing Article 370, ending triple talaq and building Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Speaking at an event to unveil the statue Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap, the Defence Minister said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not just say it -- he shows it through action. There is no gap between what we say and what we do.
For us, the people of the country come first, and national interest -- not politics -- takes precedence above all." "Whether it was removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, constructing the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, or putting an end to the regressive practice of triple talaq, we have fulfilled every resolve we took," he added.
The dignity and empowerment of women is also among the highest priorities of our Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, said Rajnath Singh, adding that public service is the ideology of the BJP and the party does not believe in polarisation but in politics of public satisfaction.
He added that Maharana Pratap worked to weave society together into unity. He never discriminated on the basis of caste or religion and we hold deep reverence for him. "Today, in PM Modi's mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', we see the same harmony and inclusivity, the inspiration for which is drawn from the life and values of Maharana Pratap," Rajnath Singh said.
Addressing the audience, the Defence Minister added, "Brothers and sisters, I have come among you today after a long time. Being involved in national politics, I naturally have to travel across the country to attend various programmes. Moreover, as India's Defence Minister, I also have to travel regularly to other countries.
My heartfelt desire is always to spend time among the people of Uttar Pradesh. However, despite my wishes, it is not always possible to visit as often as I would like." "It is part of India's tradition and etiquette that greetings, respect, and salutations should never be one-sided.
I also bow my head and wholeheartedly extend my greetings and gratitude to all of you, my brothers and sisters. I am extremely pleased to have unveiled the statue of Maharana Pratap, the eternal symbol of valour, self-respect, and patriotism, here in Agra," Rajnath Singh said.