M A I N   N E W S

Rajnath firm votary of Hindutva

Lucknow, December 31
Mr Rajnath Singh, BJP President, is from the ranks of the RSS and a firm votary of Hindutva.

A masters in mathematics, Mr Rajnath Singh (54), introduced Vedic mathematics in secondary schools when he was the Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1991-92.

He was also responsible for introducing in schools chapters on “ignored Indian leaders” such as Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, RSS founder leader, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the ideologue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner to the BJP.

A skilful orator in Hindi, Mr Rajnath Singh played an active role in the Ayodhya temple movement although he was overshadowed by some of his other colleagues, in particular Mr Kalyan Singh, who was then the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

His political skills were recognised and at 49 he became the second youngest Chief Minister.

Born on July 10, 1951, he began his career as a lecturer in a postgraduate college in Mirzapur. From the ranks of the RSS, he became an activist of the ABVP.

He was closely associated with the anti-government spearheaded by Jai Prakash Narain in 1975 and was among the many political leaders jailed during the 1975-77 Emergency rule of Indira Gandhi. — IANS

RSS wants Rajnath to stick to ideology
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 31
The RSS today welcomed Mr Rajnath Singh's elevation to the post of the BJP president and expressed hope that he would steer the party on the path of ideology, discipline and the principles of collective leadership.

“Mr Rajnath Singh is a senior and mature leader and we are sure that he, along with other party leaders, would be able to face the challenges ahead,” RSS spokesperson Rammadhav said.

“No doubt, he is taking over the reins of the party at a time when the party and polity at large is facing major challenges.

“ We are sure that under the able guidance of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L. K. Advani and efficient and able colleagues in the party, Mr Singh would be able to take on the challenges successfully,” he said. Mr Rammadhav also expressed confidence that Mr Rajnath Singh would steer the party on the path of ideology, idealism, discipline and value-based politics with renewed vigour on the principles of collective leadership.

Atal a fraud, says Jyoti Basu
Tribune News Service

Kolkata, December 31
Veteran Marxist Jyoti Basu called BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister, a political fraud.

Reacting to Mr Vajpayee’s decision to retire from politics, the former Chief Minister said it was good news for the countrymen.

He was talking to mediapersons at the Alimuddin Street party office after state committee meeting.