Distancing himself from certain sections of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar’s campaign against love Jehad, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday claimed he has no idea about the issue. “Yeh kya haiIJ (What is it),” was his prompt response with a smile, when asked about his views on the matter.
When the media persisted with the questions on BJP and Parivar’s love Jehad campaign, the Home Minister continued refusing to be drawn into the controversy. “Arey yeh hai kyaIJ Humein nahi maloom (what is this. I don’t know),” Singh replied when reporters drew his attention towards the official statement of some BJP leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat asking Hindu girls to stay away from Muslims.
Singh avoided a volley of questions in this regard and particularly, on the party’s chief campaigner Yogi Adityanath’s observations regarding love Jehad. Singh’s reply led to peals of laughter from the scribes, who had gathered for his Press conference on completion of first 100 days of the Union Home Ministry.
Adityanath had recently stated that “jehad, in the name of love is unacceptable,” and that only a BJP-led State Government can “stop forceful conversion of Hindu girls”.
To another question on “justice to innocent Muslims languishing in jails,” the Home Minister categorically said that his Government would ensure justice to all and there would be no discrimination based on caste or religion. “Minorities should have faith in our Government. We will not discriminate against anyone in the name of religion or caste. We will ensure justice to everyone. Injustice will not happen to anyone,” he said
Rajnath also faced questions on his status in the Cabinet and his relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And also on Modi’s style of functioning and control over Cabinet colleagues.”He is our Prime Minister and an effective Prime Minister and I am the Home Minister in his Government. What else,” Singh said.
After a pause, he said, “Hamare sambandh madhur they, madhur hain aur madhur rahenge (Our relations were cordial, are cordial and will remain that way).” “We have got a good opening stand, I think. We aspire to play a long innings and even a second innings,” he said alluding to a cricket test matches.