'BJP is shifting focus from pressing matters': SP MP Virendra Singh on Rana Sanga controversy
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In response to the Rana Sanga controversy, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh argues that the BJP is revisiting historical events to distract from current issues. He calls for discussions on economic challenges and governance instead of historical narratives.
Key Takeaways
- Virendra Singh criticizes BJP's focus on historical figures like Rana Sanga.
- He emphasizes the need to address pressing societal issues over historical controversies.
- Calls for discussions on economic stability and job creation.
- Highlights the importance of the Constitution in governance.
- Expresses pride in Rajput history while rejecting divisive narratives.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh addressed the ongoing debate related to the 16th-century Rajput monarch Rana Sanga on Sunday, asserting that the BJP is resurrecting historical matters to distract the public from pressing contemporary issues.
In a conversation with IANS, Virendra Singh elaborated on various topics, including the remarks made by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman regarding Rana Sanga and the Sambhal mosque incident.
IANS: Your party's MP Ramji Lal Suman labeled Rana Sanga a traitor and an associate of Babur. What do you think?
Virendra Singh: The BJP has run out of arguments, so it resorts to revisiting the past systematically. They focus on cruel rulers who inflicted suffering upon the populace. At this juncture, we have urged the government to discuss its achievements over the last ten years since the nation elected the BJP and Modi ji with high hopes. They had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in people's accounts and recover black money. These are the topics that should be on the table. They also claimed that two crore jobs would be created annually. Meanwhile, the economy is nearing a crisis. We should be discussing how to improve people's lives, ensure financial prosperity, and stimulate markets. Let's focus on ways to bring joy to the populace. The BJP is merely flipping through historical pages that neither they nor any political faction can alter.
IANS: What is your perspective on Rana Sanga?
Virendra Singh: From what I understand, Rana Sanga was a valiant warrior who triumphed in numerous battles. The Rajput community takes pride in Rana Sanga but not in Jaichand. I have also heard that our MP mentioned Jaichand in the House, yet the media chose to amplify the narrative around Rana Sanga, which is unjust.
IANS: The BJP supports Rana Sanga while criticizing the Samajwadi Party. What's your response?
Virendra Singh: Looking back at history brings up instances where Chhatrapati Shivaji had to be ceremonially made a king, which involved a community that preferred not to be touched by hands but rather by the left thumb. This is documented history, should we not discuss it? I assert that we cannot change what has occurred. Those historical records serve only as a study of the nature of different kings. Whether we glorify them or create a negative atmosphere around them won't benefit the nation. By raising such issues, the Bharatiya Janata Party seeks to disrupt the atmosphere, steering public focus away from genuine concerns.
IANS: Akhilesh Yadav has also backed Ramji Lal Suman. Will this not anger the Rajputs towards your party?
Virendra Singh: I have heard that our national president advised Ramji Lal Suman against revisiting historical narratives. He neither supported nor opposed him but suggested that we should refrain from delving into historical events.
IANS: Was Maharana Pratap also defeated by Akbar?
Virendra Singh: Numerous battles spanned several centuries. The Battle of Haldighati is among the most renowned. Maharana Pratap preferred eating roti made of grass and refused to bow to any Muslim ruler. The Rajput community takes immense pride in this fact, and nothing else can be said about Maharana Pratap except pride.
IANS: Was Babur a benevolent ruler?
Virendra Singh: Those who documented Babur's history have noted some positive aspects, yet many accounts portray him as an invader. It should be left up to historians to determine the integrity with which they write history. This can be debated and researched, but it should not be a subject of casual discussion.
IANS: The head of the mosque committee in Sambhal has been apprehended by the authorities. What's your opinion on this?
Virendra Singh: This pertains to law and order. The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the state. The justification for their arrest and the evidence against them will become apparent when they are presented in court.
IANS: If your party regains power, will Muslims receive their rights? Will their mosque and other properties in Sambhal be returned?
Virendra Singh: Our government adheres to the Constitution; we are not influenced by history. Our governance is based on the Constitution and its values, which are paramount. Therefore, when our government is established, we will uphold the principles of the Constitution.
