Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday urged dialogue between the protesting farmers and the Centre while addressing a meeting of BJP office-bearers, during which he also invoked the border clashes with China and the construction of the Ram temple.
"The BJP resolve is to double the farmers' income, and in no case, the MSP will end, he said, referring to the apprehension among farmers camping at Delhi's borders for months now. We are all from farmers' families and we are ready for amendments and solutions, whatever is needed in the interest of agriculture," Singh said at the inaugural meeting of the Uttar Pradesh BJP executive committee.
He highlighted the role of grassroots workers in the Bharatiya Janata Party and said this was the only party that has not seen a split so far.
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This is not a crowd of workers aiming to gain power but a lively party that has a political vision, he said.
He referred to the recently begun construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, after the historic verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute.
"People used to say that whenever elections come, BJP leaders speak about the construction of the Ram temple, he said, referring to the foundation laying ceremony last year.
It is a coincidence that when the structure fell in Ayodhya, there was a BJP government in UP, and Kalyan Singh was the chief minister. And when the foundation stone for construction of the Ram temple was laid, there was a BJP government in UP, and Yogi Ji was the chief minister," Singh said alluding to the demolition of the Babri mosque, and the more recent development.
On the face-off with China in Ladakh last year, the minister said, "Our Army jawans displayed courage and valour with patience. We don't wish to attack anyone but will not tolerate the grabbing of our land."