Rajnath Singh is serving as the 29th Defence Minister of India since 2019. He is also the Deputy Leader of the House of the BJP since May 30, 2019. Singh also held the post of BJP President from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, He served as the 19th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2000 to 2002.

In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajnath Singh discusses the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls and whether the INDIA alliance will make any difference or not. The Defence Minister also addresses India’s relations with its neighbours, Pakistan and China, highlighting the ongoing border disputes.

Rajnath Singh also became emotional recalling his experiences during the 1975 Emergency period when he was imprisoned for 18 months for voicing dissent. He mentions being denied bail to visit his mother, who was on her deathbed due to a brain haemorrhage.

The Defence Minister expressed his belief in fostering good relations with Pakistan only if they take effective measures to combat terrorism, offering assistance to Islamabad in this regard. He also responds to reports suggesting India’s involvement in alleged plots to carry out assassinations on foreign soil, specifically in Pakistan and Canada.

Rajnath Singh further reflects on his tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, noting the challenges during a period when no Chief Minister was able to complete their term in the state of U.P