Declaring that next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh would be from BJP, Governor of Rajasthan Kalyan Singh, who turned 84 on Tuesday, said that he was no longer interested in returning to active politics.
“I cannot speak much as I am on a constitutional post. But I believe there are enough leaders to lead BJP in next 2017 elections. One thing is sure that next Chief Minister in UP will be from BJP,” Singh told The Pioneer amid celebration as BJP workers shouted Kalyan Singh zindabad. His five days sojourn in lucknow has raised questions about his return to active politics. A section of party leaders were vocal about his return to politics and leading the party in the next election. “Kalyan Singh ji ka aashirwad Uttar Pradesh ko milna chahiye (UP should get Kalyan Singh’s aashirwad),” MP from Unnao Shakshi Maharaj said throwing a loud hint about leaders’ mood about Kalyan Singh. Shakshi Maharaj did not end here and said: “People have seen Kalyan Singh’s rule. The law and order was the best during his tenure and the state needs his active leadership now.” Kalyan Singh who was listening to this conversation said that he is not supposed to comment on these issues. “I am heading a constitutional post and am not supposed to give political statement,” he said. When asked about Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik’s statement on Ram Mandir he said what Naik sahib has said is judicious. “He has only said that people want ram Mandir should be constructed at Ayodhya. What’s wrong in this statementIJ Everyone wants a Ram temple there (in Ayodhya),” Singh said. Singh was Chief Minister when disputed Babri Masjid was demolished and he was forced to spend a night at Tihar Jail for violation of his commitment to Supreme Court that the structure would be protected during Kar sewa. But he refused to discuss this issue now. “Cake khaaiye (eat cake),” he said. Party workers swarmed the Mall Avenue residence of Kalyan Singh since morning. They came armed with bouquet and good wishes. Singh was also greeted on his birthday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Rajasthan Vasundhare Raje Scindhia Earlier in the day hawan was held which was attended by the family family. In the afternoon he cut a cake as workers sang Happy Birthday to you.