BJP President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah</a> Saturday took charge as the Union Home Minister, two days after he was sworn-in following a landslide victory in the recently held Lok Sabha election.

Shah was received at the North Block office of the home ministry by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior officials.

The home minister is also holding a meeting with the officials to familiarise with the issues concerning the ministry, an official said.

Two newly appointed Ministers of state for home - G K Reddy and Nityananda Rai - also took charge Saturday.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

BJP president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-bjps-chanakya-now-enters-government-222850">Amit Shah</a>, who took oath as a minister on Thursday, has been made the new Home Minister of the country. The portfolio was earlier handled by Rajnath Singh, who has been moved to Defence.

Shah won the Lok Sabha polls from Gandhinagar in Gujarat defeating Congress's J Chavda by a record margin of more than five lakh votes. He is the most notable inclusion in the government and will serve at the Centre for the first time as a minister.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">right-hand man</a>&nbsp;and long-time strategist, Shah would be in a powerful position as the country's home minister. He masterminded the BJP's landslide victory in the April-May general election in which the party won 303 of the 542 seats and is able to make the government on its own.

Shah has worked as Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat when Modi was the chief minister of the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah Saturday took charge as the Union Home Minister, two days after he was sworn-in following a landslide victory in the recently held Lok Sabha election.

BJP President Amit Shah Saturday took charge as the Union Home Minister, two days after he was sworn-in following a landslide victory in the recently held Lok Sabha election. Shah was received at the North Block office of the home ministry by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior officials. The home minister is also holding a meeting with the officials to familiarise with the issues concerning the ministry, an official said. Two newly appointed Ministers of state for home - G K Reddy and Nityananda Rai - also took charge Saturday. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. BJP president Amit Shah, who took oath as a minister on Thursday, has been made the new Home Minister of the country. The portfolio was earlier handled by Rajnath Singh, who has been moved to Defence. Shah won the Lok Sabha polls from Gandhinagar in Gujarat defeating Congress's J Chavda by a record margin of more than five lakh votes. He is the most notable inclusion in the government and will serve at the Centre for the first time as a minister. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-hand man and long-time strategist, Shah would be in a powerful position as the country's home minister. He masterminded the BJP's landslide victory in the April-May general election in which the party won 303 of the 542 seats and is able to make the government on its own. Shah has worked as Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat when Modi was the chief minister of the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Amit Shah takes charge as Union Home Minister

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127">defence minister</a> and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh.

After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh.

The defence secretary and several other senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

As India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127">&nbsp;new defence minister, Rajnath Singh</a>'s most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.&nbsp;

His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.&nbsp;

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the defence minister and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh.

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the defence minister and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh. After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh. The defence secretary and several other senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness. His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.

Rajnath Singh takes charge as defence minister

Amid much speculation and anticipation, the portfolios of the Cabinet ministers of Narendra Modi's second term as prime minister were announced on Friday. BJP president Amit Shah was appointed as the Home Minister, while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh got the defence ministry.

Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

Rajnath Singh takes oath as cabinet minister today in PM's swearing-in ceremony

Gravitas: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet

Full list of Narendra Modi Cabinet Ministers and ministry-wise portfolios: Nirmala Sitharaman is the new Finance Minister while Anurag Thakur is the MoS in Finance Ministry. Amit Shah has become the new Home Minister of India while Rajnath Singh has got the Defence Ministry.

Modi Cabinet Ministers portfolios announced

Nirmala Sitharaman is the new Finance Minister while Anurag Thakur is the MoS in Finance Ministry. Amit Shah has become the new Home Minister of India while Rajnath Singh has got the Defence Ministry. #ModiCabinet2.0 #ModiSarkaar2 #Narendra Modi #AmitShah #NirmalaSitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman becomes India's new Finance Minister

Modi Cabinet 2.0: Ravi Shankar Prasad retains Law Ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has picked his closest aide Amit Shah as Home Minister in the new government. Rajnath Singh will be Defence Minister and Nitin Gadkari will be Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Nirmala Sitharaman will be Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs. Smriti Irani will be Minister for Women and Child Development.

Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home

Nirmala Sitharaman is the new Finance Minister while Anurag Thakur is the MoS in Finance Ministry. Amit Shah has become the new Home Minister of India while Rajnath Singh has got the Defence Ministry.

Nirmala Sitharaman joins Modi cabinet 2.0 as India's 2nd woman Finance Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-man-of-all-seasons-carries-vajpayees-legacy-of-ajatshatru-222854">Rajnath Singh </a>was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet</a>. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister</a>

A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties.

Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government.

Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

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One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009. Also read: Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties. Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government. Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance × One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team

Rajnath Singh moves to South Block, gets Defence Ministry

Modi 2.0: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

Domestic equity benchmarks gave up early gains, with the BSE Sensex dropping over 200 points and the NSE Nifty slipping below the 11,900 mark in afternoon session tracking losses in power, metal and financial stocks.

Market turned volatile as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084"> government announced the portfolios for new cabinet ministers</a>, traders said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah</a> has been named the new Home Minister, Rajnath Singh the new Defence minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-replaces-arun-jaitley-as-indias-finance-minister-223094">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> the new Finance minister.

The 30-share index was trading 228.36 points, or 0.57 per cent, lower at 39,603.61.

In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty was down 64.65 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 11,881.25.

Top losers in the Sensex pack include Vedanta, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, ITC, M&amp;M, NTPC, Kotak Bank, Tata Steel, Hero MotoCorp and SBI, falling up to 3 per cent.

While, Asian Paints, TCS, Coal India, HCL Tech, IndusInd Bank and Infosys rose up to 2 per cent.

Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar has got the external affairs ministry while Smriti Irani will be the new women and child development minister along with retaining the textile ministry, according to a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-big-diplomatic-outreach-to-heartening-message-for-minorities-narendra-modi-20-has-sent-the-right-signals-223073">Modi was sworn in on Thursday as prime minister</a> for a second term, helming a 58-member team of ministers, including him and BJP president Amit Shah who makes his debut in the Central government.

Besides volatility on account of allocation of portfolios, investors are also cautious ahead of March quarter GDP data, scheduled for release later in the day, traders said.

On the currency front, the rupee appreciated marginally to 69.85 against the US dollar.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Domestic equity benchmarks gave up early gains, with the BSE Sensex dropping over 200 points and the NSE Nifty slipping below the 11,900 mark in afternoon session tracking losses in power, metal and financial stocks.

Domestic equity benchmarks gave up early gains, with the BSE Sensex dropping over 200 points and the NSE Nifty slipping below the 11,900 mark in afternoon session tracking losses in power, metal and financial stocks. Market turned volatile as the government announced the portfolios for new cabinet ministers, traders said. Amit Shah has been named the new Home Minister, Rajnath Singh the new Defence minister and Nirmala Sitharaman the new Finance minister. The 30-share index was trading 228.36 points, or 0.57 per cent, lower at 39,603.61. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty was down 64.65 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 11,881.25. Top losers in the Sensex pack include Vedanta, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, ITC, M&M, NTPC, Kotak Bank, Tata Steel, Hero MotoCorp and SBI, falling up to 3 per cent. While, Asian Paints, TCS, Coal India, HCL Tech, IndusInd Bank and Infosys rose up to 2 per cent. Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar has got the external affairs ministry while Smriti Irani will be the new women and child development minister along with retaining the textile ministry, according to a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated. Modi was sworn in on Thursday as prime minister for a second term, helming a 58-member team of ministers, including him and BJP president Amit Shah who makes his debut in the Central government. Besides volatility on account of allocation of portfolios, investors are also cautious ahead of March quarter GDP data, scheduled for release later in the day, traders said. On the currency front, the rupee appreciated marginally to 69.85 against the US dollar.

Market turns volatile as government announces portfolios; Sensex drops over 200 points, Nifty below 11,900

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in</a> on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick.

Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath.

Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV

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&nbsp;

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS). Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick. Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath. Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons. Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV ×

Meeting of new Union Cabinet to be held in Delhi today

Modi 2.0: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team

In PM's swearing-in ceremony, Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah takes oath as Union ministers .

Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah take oath as Union ministers

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability.

The Home Minister in the outgoing government, on whom <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-updates-prime-minister-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-222770">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> banked on heavily in the last five years whenever there was a crisis, be it farmers agitation, violence in Jammu and Kashmir or Jat quota stir, has been appointed Cabinet minister again.

Many see a reflection of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mannerism in him and feel he has been carrying forward the party veteran's legacy as 'Ajatshatru, a man with no enemies.&nbsp;

His good rapport with opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mamata Banerjee, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Omar Abdullah had made his government's pointsman for any discussion with the opposition.

Even during the bitter political campaign, 67-year-old Singh, who was&nbsp;contesting from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, was never drawn into any ugly war of words with his opponents.

The image of the minister carrying on his shoulder the coffin of soldiers killed in February 14 Pulwama terror attack will remain etched in the minds of the people.

A former professor of physics, it was Singh, as BJP President in 2013, who was instrumental in declaring Narendra Modi as prime ministerial candidate, despite strong opposition from veterans like L K Advani.

Singh was the third leader of the BJP, after Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, who had extensively campaigned for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

He was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh between 2000-2002, had also held the portfolios of Surface Transport and Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

A life-long RSS member, Singh occupied various positions in RSS, ABVP and Uttar Pradesh BJP before becoming the national President of the BJP twice -- 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

Singh, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Lucknow for two consecutive terms in 2014 and 2019, was thrice elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and twice to Rajya Sabha. He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 2009 from Ghaziabad.

Singh was appointed district president of the Jana Sangh in 1975 at the age of 24 and was elected as MLA from Mirzapur in 1977.

In 1984, he became the UP state president of the BJP's youth wing BJYM, in 1986, its national general secretary and subsequently national president of the BJYM in 1988.

Singh was elected a member of the UP Legislative Council in 1988 and became Education Minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure as Education Minister in UP, he established some landmarks by introducing the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus and correction of various portions of history textbooks.

He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also the Chief Whip of the BJP in the upper house.

In 1997, Singh became state president of UP BJP. During this period, apart from expanding and strengthening the organisation, he played a key role in saving the BJP-led government twice during political crisis.

Singh was appointed Union Surface Transport Minister in 1999 and during this period he got the opportunity to initiate the National Highway Development Programme, a dream project of the then Prime Minister Vajpayee.

In October 2000, he became Chief Minister of UP and was twice elected as MLA from Haidargarh constituency in Barabanki. In 2002, he became National General Secretary of BJP.

On May 24, 2003, he became Union Minister of Agriculture and subsequently for Food Processing. During this period he initiated a few epoch making projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme.

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability.

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability. The Home Minister in the outgoing government, on whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi banked on heavily in the last five years whenever there was a crisis, be it farmers agitation, violence in Jammu and Kashmir or Jat quota stir, has been appointed Cabinet minister again. Many see a reflection of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mannerism in him and feel he has been carrying forward the party veteran's legacy as 'Ajatshatru, a man with no enemies. His good rapport with opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mamata Banerjee, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Omar Abdullah had made his government's pointsman for any discussion with the opposition. Even during the bitter political campaign, 67-year-old Singh, who was contesting from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, was never drawn into any ugly war of words with his opponents. The image of the minister carrying on his shoulder the coffin of soldiers killed in February 14 Pulwama terror attack will remain etched in the minds of the people. A former professor of physics, it was Singh, as BJP President in 2013, who was instrumental in declaring Narendra Modi as prime ministerial candidate, despite strong opposition from veterans like L K Advani. Singh was the third leader of the BJP, after Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, who had extensively campaigned for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh between 2000-2002, had also held the portfolios of Surface Transport and Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. A life-long RSS member, Singh occupied various positions in RSS, ABVP and Uttar Pradesh BJP before becoming the national President of the BJP twice -- 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. Singh, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Lucknow for two consecutive terms in 2014 and 2019, was thrice elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and twice to Rajya Sabha. He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 2009 from Ghaziabad. Singh was appointed district president of the Jana Sangh in 1975 at the age of 24 and was elected as MLA from Mirzapur in 1977. In 1984, he became the UP state president of the BJP's youth wing BJYM, in 1986, its national general secretary and subsequently national president of the BJYM in 1988. Singh was elected a member of the UP Legislative Council in 1988 and became Education Minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure as Education Minister in UP, he established some landmarks by introducing the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus and correction of various portions of history textbooks. He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also the Chief Whip of the BJP in the upper house. In 1997, Singh became state president of UP BJP. During this period, apart from expanding and strengthening the organisation, he played a key role in saving the BJP-led government twice during political crisis. Singh was appointed Union Surface Transport Minister in 1999 and during this period he got the opportunity to initiate the National Highway Development Programme, a dream project of the then Prime Minister Vajpayee. In October 2000, he became Chief Minister of UP and was twice elected as MLA from Haidargarh constituency in Barabanki. In 2002, he became National General Secretary of BJP. On May 24, 2003, he became Union Minister of Agriculture and subsequently for Food Processing. During this period he initiated a few epoch making projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme.

Rajnath Singh: Man of all seasons carries Vajpayee's legacy of 'Ajatshatru'

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country.

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's Rajnath Singh leading from Lucknow over Congress' Pramod Krishnam

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent.

"Congress talks about abolishing sedition law but on coming back to power, the BJP will make it so stringent that no one would dare to act against it," the Home Minister said addressing an election rally at BLJ ground here in favour of alliance partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel on Tuesday.

"Our forces finished off terrorists in air strikes after the Pulwama attack but the Congress people are asking for the number of those killed. Braves do not count bodies, vultures do," he said.

On country's economy, he said inflation had been the main electoral issue during polls but not in 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as it was the management of the two BJP prime ministers (A B Vajpayee and Narendra Modi) who did not allow prices to go out of hands.

Attacking the Congress president, the home minister said Rahul Gandhi is talking about party's proposed 'NYAY' minimum income guarantee scheme, whereas from Jawahar Lal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, they had been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eliminating poverty).

On the BSP-SP alliance, he said, the two parties have come together as they are afraid of the popularity of Prime Minister Modi but their alliance will have no impact on the polls.&nbsp;

The BJP leader also offered prayers at the famous Vindhyavasini Devi temple here Wednesday.

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent.

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent. "Congress talks about abolishing sedition law but on coming back to power, the BJP will make it so stringent that no one would dare to act against it," the Home Minister said addressing an election rally at BLJ ground here in favour of alliance partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel on Tuesday. "Our forces finished off terrorists in air strikes after the Pulwama attack but the Congress people are asking for the number of those killed. Braves do not count bodies, vultures do," he said. On country's economy, he said inflation had been the main electoral issue during polls but not in 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as it was the management of the two BJP prime ministers (A B Vajpayee and Narendra Modi) who did not allow prices to go out of hands. Attacking the Congress president, the home minister said Rahul Gandhi is talking about party's proposed 'NYAY' minimum income guarantee scheme, whereas from Jawahar Lal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, they had been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eliminating poverty). On the BSP-SP alliance, he said, the two parties have come together as they are afraid of the popularity of Prime Minister Modi but their alliance will have no impact on the polls. The BJP leader also offered prayers at the famous Vindhyavasini Devi temple here Wednesday.

Will make sedition law more stringent: Rajnath Singh

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/curbing-insurgency-in-northeast-my-biggest-achievement-as-home-minister-rajnath-singh-213723">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation.

"We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, our country has surged ahead with a fast pace," he said.

"The International Monetary Fund has also accepted that if there is any country which is growing at a fast pace, then it is India," Singh said here, addressing a meeting.

The Union minister, who represents the state capital in Lok Sabha, said it is his dream to see Lucknow become the most beautiful city not only in India but also in the world.

"I do not claim that poverty has been eradicated from the country but we have shown in the past five years, what did not happen in 65 years," he said.

Singh also called upon Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav to inquire about his health, a statement issued by the BJP said.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation. "We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation. "We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, our country has surged ahead with a fast pace," he said. "The International Monetary Fund has also accepted that if there is any country which is growing at a fast pace, then it is India," Singh said here, addressing a meeting. The Union minister, who represents the state capital in Lok Sabha, said it is his dream to see Lucknow become the most beautiful city not only in India but also in the world. "I do not claim that poverty has been eradicated from the country but we have shown in the past five years, what did not happen in 65 years," he said. Singh also called upon Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav to inquire about his health, a statement issued by the BJP said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP is in politics for building nation, says Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rajnath-slams-cong-over-balakot-air-strikes-chowkidar-jibe-213358">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> said on Friday that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will get a two-third majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

"The NDA will get two-third majority in the country," Singh, who was in Varanasi, told ANI.

Apna Dal (S) convener and Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel said that the enthusiasm of the people shows that the NDA is headed towards an absolute majority in Lok Sabha and will form the government again under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The NDA&nbsp;is coming to power again. There is no doubt that it will be under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The way people greeted and welcomed Modi ji on streets of Varanasi shows that people want to see Modi ji again as the Prime Minister. We will break all records in Uttar Pradesh," she noted.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj told ANI, "The people of Varanasi are very lucky as they are choosing the Prime Minister of India, while people of other constituencies are choosing their MPs."

Modi will file his nomination today from the Varanasi parliamentary constituency, the seat from where he won the 2014 general election by a huge margin.&nbsp;BJP had secured 282 seats in Lok Sabha, crossing the half-way mark of 272.

Modi had then contested and won from Vadodara in Gujarat as well but chose to retain Varanasi.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will get a two-third majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. "The NDA will get two-third majority in the country," Singh, who was in Varanasi, told ANI.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will get a two-third majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. "The NDA will get two-third majority in the country," Singh, who was in Varanasi, told ANI. Apna Dal (S) convener and Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel said that the enthusiasm of the people shows that the NDA is headed towards an absolute majority in Lok Sabha and will form the government again under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The NDA is coming to power again. There is no doubt that it will be under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The way people greeted and welcomed Modi ji on streets of Varanasi shows that people want to see Modi ji again as the Prime Minister. We will break all records in Uttar Pradesh," she noted. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj told ANI, "The people of Varanasi are very lucky as they are choosing the Prime Minister of India, while people of other constituencies are choosing their MPs." Modi will file his nomination today from the Varanasi parliamentary constituency, the seat from where he won the 2014 general election by a huge margin. BJP had secured 282 seats in Lok Sabha, crossing the half-way mark of 272. Modi had then contested and won from Vadodara in Gujarat as well but chose to retain Varanasi.

NDA to get two-third majority in Lok Sabha: Rajnath Singh

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane.

The Union home minister asserts that BJP will come back to power with a thumping majority as people want the good governance of the Narendra Modi dispensation to continue.

"The way Modiji has led the country at national and international levels in the last five years, there is not an iota of doubt about our win with a three-fourths majority in these polls," he claims.

Singh says as home minister, he worked, among other things, towards curbing insurgency in the Northeast and Naxalism in parts of the country.&nbsp;

"Insurgency in Northeast is almost finished," he told PTI in an interview.

On Naxalism, he says, "We are now in the most favourable position since 1971, when more security personnel used to get killed than Naxals. Now the trend has reversed... Our security forces have been giving a befitting reply and eliminating Naxals."

Earlier Naxals operated in 126 districts, but now their activities are limited to just six-seven districts, he says.&nbsp;

"We are quite sure that in coming days, we will root them out. The elimination of insurgency in the Northeast has been my biggest achievement as home minister...Even beyond my expectations," the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh says.

He also says that as home minister, he made a maximum number of visits to Jammu and Kashmir and tried to find a long-term solution to the region's problems, though it could not yield the desired results.

"Now, the time has come to review articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution (providing special status and rights to the state and its citizens) and assess what Jammu and Kashmir got and what is lost due to these two provisions," he says.

"My ministry also revoked the registration of 20,000 organisations which used to get money from overseas, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and were involved in activities which were not in the interest of our country," he says.

Singh, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow, says he does not believe that Modi's persona is overshadowing the work of other lawmakers and ministers.&nbsp; 
"Whatever ministers or MPs do, they do it after getting the team leader's consent, it is but natural. All policy decisions are taken under the chairmanship of the prime minister. So, saying that the work of other ministers or MPs is overshadowed is not right," he says.

"People are smart enough and politically aware. They have their own parameters to gauge public representatives' records and performances," he adds.

To a query why the BJP's campaign has no mention of demonetisation and GST, Singh, who headed the party's manifesto committee, says they are no longer poll issues.

"Their (positive and expected) results have started surfacing. GST has been simplified several times and we have made it abundantly clear that whenever there is a need, we will come up with more simplifications so that the business class does not suffer," he says.

Asked why the BJP has 'imported' candidates from outside the party, like Bhojpuri film actors Nirahua and Ravi Kishan, Bollywood star Sunny Deol and Pragya Thakur, he says it shows the party's "inclusive and pluralistic" character.

"Let me clarify that the BJP's core cadre is quite strong and we have no dearth of candidates. But there are some people in every society who have a large fan following and have some intrinsic political acumen.&nbsp;

"When we get these people in our party, they become an integral part of the BJP family and by this way, our party becomes more inclusive and pluralistic," he reasons.

Asked about the BJP fielded only a few Muslim candidates, he says though he was not in a position to tell the exact number, the party has given tickets to members from the community.&nbsp;

"We are very careful about our core principal - 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. Unfortunately, the opposition parties are unsuccessfully trying to create a fear factor. But we have built a sense of confidence and I am quite sure that we will get their (Muslims) bigger support this time than what we got in the previous Lok Sabha election," he claims.

Singh says North Indians living in Maharashtra always supported the BJP ever since this party came to existence.

He also dubs the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance as an "unbreakable bond".

"The coming together of two parties with same nationalist ideology is very rare. But this is possible only here in Maharashtra. Though we had some differences, but they have been resolved. The BJP-Shiv Sena have an unbreakable bond and we have proved it," he adds.&nbsp;

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane.

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane. The Union home minister asserts that BJP will come back to power with a thumping majority as people want the good governance of the Narendra Modi dispensation to continue. "The way Modiji has led the country at national and international levels in the last five years, there is not an iota of doubt about our win with a three-fourths majority in these polls," he claims. Singh says as home minister, he worked, among other things, towards curbing insurgency in the Northeast and Naxalism in parts of the country. "Insurgency in Northeast is almost finished," he told PTI in an interview. On Naxalism, he says, "We are now in the most favourable position since 1971, when more security personnel used to get killed than Naxals. Now the trend has reversed... Our security forces have been giving a befitting reply and eliminating Naxals." Earlier Naxals operated in 126 districts, but now their activities are limited to just six-seven districts, he says. "We are quite sure that in coming days, we will root them out. The elimination of insurgency in the Northeast has been my biggest achievement as home minister...Even beyond my expectations," the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh says. He also says that as home minister, he made a maximum number of visits to Jammu and Kashmir and tried to find a long-term solution to the region's problems, though it could not yield the desired results. "Now, the time has come to review articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution (providing special status and rights to the state and its citizens) and assess what Jammu and Kashmir got and what is lost due to these two provisions," he says. "My ministry also revoked the registration of 20,000 organisations which used to get money from overseas, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and were involved in activities which were not in the interest of our country," he says. Singh, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow, says he does not believe that Modi's persona is overshadowing the work of other lawmakers and ministers. "Whatever ministers or MPs do, they do it after getting the team leader's consent, it is but natural. All policy decisions are taken under the chairmanship of the prime minister. So, saying that the work of other ministers or MPs is overshadowed is not right," he says. "People are smart enough and politically aware. They have their own parameters to gauge public representatives' records and performances," he adds. To a query why the BJP's campaign has no mention of demonetisation and GST, Singh, who headed the party's manifesto committee, says they are no longer poll issues. "Their (positive and expected) results have started surfacing. GST has been simplified several times and we have made it abundantly clear that whenever there is a need, we will come up with more simplifications so that the business class does not suffer," he says. Asked why the BJP has 'imported' candidates from outside the party, like Bhojpuri film actors Nirahua and Ravi Kishan, Bollywood star Sunny Deol and Pragya Thakur, he says it shows the party's "inclusive and pluralistic" character. "Let me clarify that the BJP's core cadre is quite strong and we have no dearth of candidates. But there are some people in every society who have a large fan following and have some intrinsic political acumen. "When we get these people in our party, they become an integral part of the BJP family and by this way, our party becomes more inclusive and pluralistic," he reasons. Asked about the BJP fielded only a few Muslim candidates, he says though he was not in a position to tell the exact number, the party has given tickets to members from the community. "We are very careful about our core principal - 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. Unfortunately, the opposition parties are unsuccessfully trying to create a fear factor. But we have built a sense of confidence and I am quite sure that we will get their (Muslims) bigger support this time than what we got in the previous Lok Sabha election," he claims. Singh says North Indians living in Maharashtra always supported the BJP ever since this party came to existence. He also dubs the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance as an "unbreakable bond". "The coming together of two parties with same nationalist ideology is very rare. But this is possible only here in Maharashtra. Though we had some differences, but they have been resolved. The BJP-Shiv Sena have an unbreakable bond and we have proved it," he adds.

Curbing insurgency in Northeast my biggest achievement as home minister: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-by-2030-india-will-replace-one-of-the-top-3-superpowers-says-rajnath-singh-213156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw1sbAyerhAhWIro8KHX0jDV8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bCmGfhf65yagMtWyAMViK">Rajnath Singh</a> Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority.

He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for".

The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said.

"Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said.

Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes.

He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies.

Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.''

"When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said.

Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism.

''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted.

He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray.

Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking.

"We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

"And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said.

The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world".

It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said.

''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said.

"The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said.

Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said.

The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme).

He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018.

Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership.

Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years".

Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF. He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority. He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for". The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. "Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said. "Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said. Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes. He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies. Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.'' "When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said. Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism. ''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted. He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray. Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking. "We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. "And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said. The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world". It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said. ''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said. "The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said. Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said. The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme). He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018. Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership. Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years". Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rajnath Singh slams Congress over Balakot air strikes, 'chowkidar' jibe

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-sedition-case-police-filed-charge-sheet-secretly-in-hasty-manner-delhi-govt-tells-court-208087">sedition law</a> as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law.

Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-questions-congress-manifesto-cover-for-its-dark-colour-207673">Congress</a> has promised in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">manifesto</a> to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country.

The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term. Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent." Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law. Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power." Congress has promised in its manifesto to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country. The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

BJP will make sedition law even more stringent: Rajnath Singh

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