PEOPLE ARE CASTING THEIR VOTES ONLY IN MODI'S NAME
THE WEEK India|April 07, 2024
Rajnath Singh’s legacy as one of the tallest leaders of the BJP has been cemented after helming two of the most important portfolios—home and defence—in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, across two terms. And his place in a future Modi government seems assured as well.
RIYAD MATHEW, R. PRASANNAN, SANJIB KR BARUAH & NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA
PEOPLE ARE CASTING THEIR VOTES ONLY IN MODI'S NAME

Seated comfortably in an ordinarily set room with a portrait of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, who perfected the art of fighting in the shadows, Rajnath knows that the time has come to embellish his legacy as a political talent spotter for the BJP. Serving as the president of the BJP in 2013, he was quick to recognise the lure of Modi’s charisma and smoothened the way for him to become the party’s undisputed mascot. He was astute enough to read the mood of his party and the nation that Modi was the man of the moment.

“The qualities that I saw [in Prime Minister Modi] have stood the test of time and India has marched ahead and progressed like never before. This means that my assessment was correct,” Rajnath told The WEEK in a warm and candid conversation that lasted for more than an hour at his 17, Akbar Road residence in New Delhi, which is guarded by armoured gates and an efficient security posse.

Rajnath is confident that the National Democratic Alliance will get more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls and that the BJP will not fall short of the 370-seat mark. “People believe that only Modi’s leadership can make India a superpower. They are casting their votes in Modi’s name,” he said.

Only a thin line separates political acumen and narcissism and Rajnath, who spent most of his political life in the rough and tumble of Uttar Pradesh politics, is confident but humble. He not only survived, but also thrived in his career spanning more than three decades because he knows, unlike many other politicians, when to shun the limelight and work in the shadows.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEK INDIAView all
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
THE WEEK India

Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?

India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes

time-read
6 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
THE WEEK India

Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk

PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
THE WEEK India

Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing

SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Efficiency and innovation
THE WEEK India

Efficiency and innovation

As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Level up
THE WEEK India

Level up

Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
THE WEEK India

HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL

While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
Mind matters
THE WEEK India

Mind matters

Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Cutting edge
THE WEEK India

Cutting edge

Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
The smallest cut
THE WEEK India

The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Signalling a revolution
THE WEEK India

Signalling a revolution

Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin

time-read
7 mins  |
December 01, 2024