Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister, Government of India

Birth DetailsJuly 10, 1951 | Bhabhuara, Chandauli, UP

NationalityIndian

LeaguePolitician

EducationMSc Physics, Gorakhpur University

Rajnath Singh's Journey so far ...

Rajnath Singh went to a local school in his village in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district. He then joined Gorakhpur University from where he completed his MSc in Physics. His first job was that of a lecturer of Physics at Mirzapur's K.B. Post-Graduate College
He joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and was its secretary for the Gorakhpur division from 1969 to 1972. He joined the RSS and became its general secretary of Mirzapur division in 1972
Singh began his political career at the age of 24 with the Jan Sangh in 1975, and was first elected to the UP Assembly in 1977 from Mirzapur
He was appointed as State Secretary of UP BJP in 1983 and in the following year became the State President of the BJP's youth wing (BJYM). In 1988 he became the National President of the BJYM
In 1988, he was elected to the Upper House of the UP Legislative Council and became the Education minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure, he introduced the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also became the party's chief whip in the Upper House. In 1997, Singh became the president of UP BJP and played a crucial role in saving the state government during political crises
In November 1999, he became the Union Minister for Surface Transport and initiated the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP), a dream project of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
In October 2000, Rajnath took oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and remained in the post till 2002. In May 2003, he was given the charge of the Union Agriculture Ministry by PM Vajpayee. He introduced projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme
In 2004, he was appointed as National General Secretary of the BJP and in the following year became the party's president. Rajnath Singh served as BJP president from 2005 to 2009, and briefly again from 2013 to 2014 following the resignation of Nitin Gadkari. After he took charge as Union minister, Amit Shah took his place
As the party president, he toured the country highlighting the failures of the UPA government. During his presidentship, Narendra Modi was anointed as the BJP's PM candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls
In 2014, Singh contested the Lok Sabha polls from the Lucknow constituency and won comprehensively. He was sworn-in as the home minister in the Modi cabinet and played an effective role as number 2 to PM
As home minister, he led the effort on Jammu & Kashmir, first managing a difficult alliance and then changing course after the alliance broke. During his stint, Singh was able to contain Maoist violence and squeeze their operational areas. He also took certain administrative decisions which allowed paramilitary forces to enjoy greater autonomy in financial matters and liberalised visa regimes. Apart from that, he was also tasked by Modi to help him fight political problems, including those related to farmers
He again contested from Lucknow in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and won from there. He was sworn-in as the Defence Minister in Modi Cabinet 2.0 in 2019
As Raksha Mantri, he initiated various reforms particularly involving women. Some of them include induction of women in the corps of military police and increasing the tenure of women officers in SSC from 10 to 14 years
After the Galwan clash in 2020, Singh personally conveyed his appreciation and compliments to the Army personnel from the Bihar Regiment for displaying exemplary grit and courage in valiantly fighting the Chinese troops

Before you go ...

Rajnath Singh is sought after as a leader who understands farmers’ issues
Even after several decades in politics, the teacher in him is alive and he loves interacting with students and youth of India
The veteran politician has also written a book on Unemployment - Its Reasons and Remedies

Last Updated: 27/09/2021

Rajnath Singh News

BJP's caste strategy put back on table in Uttar PradeshFollowing a loss in the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is reviewing its caste strategy in the state by promoting leaders from non-Yadav backward castes, EBCs, and SCs. Prominent figures like Keshav Prasad Maurya, Swatantra Dev Singh, and Bhupendra Chaudhary have been key in securing votes from specific caste groups. Despite these efforts, some leaders like Sanjeev Balyan faced defeats, while alliances with parties like RLD showed mixed results in the recent polls.
Haryana govt removes age limit cap on scheme for farmers, farm labourersThe Haryana government has removed the age limit cap on the 'Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana,' extending benefits to children under 10 and individuals over 65. Financial aid of Rs 37,500 to Rs 5 lakh will now be available for farmers, agriculture laborers, and market yard workers in case of death or disability while operating agricultural machinery. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
JD(U) call for Agnipath review correct, scheme withdrawal long overdue: Sanjay SinghAAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh supports JD(U)'s call for reviewing the Agnipath scheme, criticizing it as a betrayal to Agniveer, Mother India, and the Army. He emphasizes the scheme's negative impact on army training and readiness.
Farmers' stir, 'mistakes' in ticket distribution led to BJP's fall in seats: Rajasthan minister Jhabar Singh KharraRajasthan minister Jhabar Singh Kharra attributes BJP's decline in number of seats in the state to farmers' agitation and ticket distribution errors during Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won 14 out of 25 seats, with Congress securing eight and India bloc partners CPI(M), Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, and Bharat Adivasi Party each winning one seat in the state. Kharra emphasised the need for the party to work harder and highlights collective responsibility for the defeat.
Kangana Ranaut slapped: Actress alleges physical altercation by CISF officer at Chandigarh airportNewly elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a CISF woman guard at Chandigarh Airport. The incident occurred during a security check as Ranaut was traveling to Delhi. Reports suggest the altercation started when Ranaut refused to place her phone in the security tray, leading to a confrontation and the alleged slap. She has filed a complaint, and the CISF is investigating the matter.
Ex-BCCI curator slams 'poor' drop-in pitches in NYC, says they should've been installed 3 months agoFormer BCCI chief curator Daljit Singh criticizes the 'poor quality' of drop-in pitches at the T20 World Cup games in New York, including India's matches, citing safety concerns and lack of preparation.
Sarabjot Singh shoots gold at Munich World CupSarabjot Singh secured India's first gold at the ISSF World Cup in the men's 10m air pistol event, outshooting top competitors with a score of 242.7 in the final. He narrowly edged out Bu Shuaihang of China. The 22-year-old's stellar performance, marked by consistent shooting and nerve under pressure, earned him his second individual ISSF World Cup medal.
'BJP lost Ayodhya because...': Akhilesh Yadav takes potshots at saffron party after Faizabad lossSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav reacted to the party's victory and the BJP's loss from Faizabad (Ayodhya) on June 06. He said the BJP did injustice to Ayodhya, and this is why people voted against them. While speaking to media persons, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The truth is that the BJP would have lost even more seats in Uttar Pradesh."'BJP lost Ayodhya because...': Akhilesh Yadav takes potshots at saffron party after Faizabad loss
Father didn’t care and laid down his life, Sikh community pulled family through troubled times: Sarabjit Singh Khalsa46-year-old Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, an independent candidate, won the Faridkot parliamentary seat. He was elected along with self-styled Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, amidst the 40th anniversary of 1984's Operation Bluestar.
Karni Sena chief murder case: NIA chargesheets designated terrorist Goldy Brar among 12 othersOn Wednesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) submitted its chargesheet against 12 individuals, among them foreign-based designated terrorist Goldy Barar, and numerous gangsters implicated in the December murder of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in Rajasthan last year.
Odisha: Victory for four women candidates in Lok Sabha electionsFour women candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party won in the Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, with Aparajita Sarangi and Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo emerging victorious. Sarangi retained the Bhubaneswar seat, while Singh Deo won in Bolangir, and Malvika Devi in Kalahandi. Anita Subhadarshini also secured a victory in Aska.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini takes oath as Karnal's MLAOn Thursday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini took the oath of legislator in his chamber, administered by Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. Saini emerged victorious in the recent bypoll for the Karnal Assembly seat, defeating his main rival, Congress's Tarlochan Singh. This seat was previously held by his party colleague Manohar Lal Khattar.
Historic 109-year-old temple, tied to Kashmir's royal family, gutted in fireA 109-year-old Shiva temple, Mohinishwar Shivalaya Shiv Mandir, was a famous tourist attraction in Gulmarg. It was maintained by Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh and featured in Bollywood movies, including the song 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' from 'Aap Ki Kasam'.
'INDI Alliance celebrating like shameless …', BJP’s Giriraj Singh launches scathing attack on INDIA blocVictorious BJP candidate from Bihar’s Begusarai, Giriraj Singh reacted to the Lok Sabha Elections results, INDIA bloc, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and the number of seats INDIA bloc has acquired in the Lok Sabha Election. He mocked INDIA bloc by saying that Congress and Rahul Gandhi are holding Press Conferences as if they have won. On Opposition’s reaction to NDA running a coalition government, he said that they were already running a coalition government. Speaking to ANI, he said, “Congress and Rahul Gandhi are holding Press conference as if they have won. They couldn’t even reach 100 and they were happy. We are forming government for the 3rd time and it is PM Modi’s guarantee. They are celebrating like shameless.” 'INDI Alliance celebrating like shameless …', BJP’s Giriraj Singh launches scathing attack on INDIA bloc
SpiceJet plans to raise Rs 2,000 crore by August, increase capacity: SinghSpiceJet aims to raise Rs 2,000 crore by August for capacity expansion via aircraft leasing, with plans for another round of fundraising after a previous attempt fell through due to investor withdrawals. Chairman Ajay Singh outlined a strategy to raise $250 million by mid-August, expressing confidence in the airline's resilience despite financial challenges and a reduced fleet strength of around 25 operating planes.
All necessary steps being taken to ensure Amritpal Singh's release, says his lawyerAmritpal Singh, the radical Sikh preacher who won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Punjab, is expected to be released from jail soon, according to his lawyer Rajdeo Singh Khalsa. Singh, who contested the election from jail as an Independent candidate, defeated Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 1,97,120 votes. Khalsa stated that legal steps were being taken for Singh's release, emphasizing the support he received from the Sikh community. Singh has been in jail since April 2023, arrested under the National Security Act along with other members of the pro-Khalistani outfit Waris Punjab De.
Andhra special status back on table as TDP holds key to NDA government formationBesides cabinet positions, the unresolved issue of 'special status' versus 'special package' for Andhra Pradesh is back on the negotiating table, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) playing a crucial role in the formation of the next NDA government. The significance of this battle for Chandrababu Naidu is immense.
Rahul Gandhi will sit in Rae Bareli every Saturday, Sunday to solve people's problems: Dinesh SinghBJP's Rae Bareli candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh, who lost to Rahul Gandhi, announced a partial leave on weekends to attend to family responsibilities. Singh assured locals he will continue serving them on weekdays. Rahul Gandhi secured 6,87,649 votes, while Singh received 2,97,619. Singh urged locals to rely on Gandhi for support, as he will address their issues on weekends. Despite the defeat, Singh expressed gratitude to his voters and questioned Gandhi's victory, attributing it to temporary support from SP voters.
Market Trading Guide: Zomato, DMart among 4 stock recommendations for ThursdayZomato breached Rounding Bottom pattern and retested the breakout on the monthly time frame. This indicates bullish strength.
Lok Sabha Results: Amit Shah, Shivraj, Abhishek Banerjee - Candidates with biggest victory marginFrom Union Minister Amit Shah to Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Abhishek Banerjee. Here are the candidates with the most significant victory margins in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Watch!Lok Sabha Results: Amit Shah, Shivraj, Abhishek Banerjee - Candidates with biggest victory margin
India vs Ireland T20 World Cup Highlights: India thrashes Ireland by 8 wickets in Group A matchIndia defeated Ireland in the T20 World Cup match in New York, USA, with a strong bowling performance restricting Ireland to 96 runs.
Shah Rukh Khan wants to be Sania Mirza's love interest? Former tennis star has this to sayIn a new teaser for 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', tennis star Sania Mirza humorously responds to host Kapil Sharma's mention of Shah Rukh Khan's desire to play her love interest in a biopic, saying she first needs to find a love interest. The episode, featuring Sania alongside Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom, and Sift Kaur Samra, promises laughter and candid moments.
Amritpal Singh & Engineer Rashid voted to power: What does rule book say on incarcerated MPs?The Election Commission declared the results of the Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. While radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh won Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat, terror financing accused Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, emerged victorious on Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla seat.
SpiceJet plans to raise USD 250 mn in next couple of months: Airline Chief Ajay SinghSpiceJet Chief Ajay Singh announced plans to raise around USD 250 million in the next few months to boost operations amid challenges such as lessor and debt issues. Singh expressed confidence in overcoming obstacles, stating the airline's balance sheet will be strengthened over the next two quarters. Despite current challenges, SpiceJet aims for growth and stability, with plans to expand its own fleet while emphasizing the importance of aviation hubs in India.
Nazara subsidiary Absolute Sports buys entertainment news site SoapCentral for $1.4 millionSoapCentral.com provides news and other content related to TV shows and mostly focuses on the US audience.
Load more

DisclaimerThe content of this page has been aggregated from multiple websites. Some information can change over the passage of time.