 "Jaswant deprecates veneration of individual by BJP")
In a sharp attack on Narendra Modi and BJP campaign centric around him, expelled party veteran Jaswant Singh today deprecated "veneration" of an individual and said world was full of graveyards of those who are considered indispensable to their nation.
Singh, who was expelled by the party yesterday for six years for refusing to withdraw his nomination as an independent form Barmer, further added that no political party should become handmaiden of an individual.
He also hit hard at BJP president Rajhnath Singh saying that he had cautioned the party about his (Rajnath Singh's) presidency and that the party would be victim of his decision.
In an interview to PTI, Singh said, "I don't think veneration of an individual is a proper attitude for a political party. There was a very great leader of France who said that graveyards of world are full of those who are considered indispensable to their nations.
"We must learn the essence of this. Individuals are transitory. The nation and political organisations that aspire to or endeavour to serve the country must not become handmaiden of individuals."
The former Union Minister was reacting to BJP coining the "Namo" chant and glorification of individuals over party.
On a question whether it was a good thing to announce Prime Minister in advance, he said good or bad it has happened. "Samay bataega aur Bharat bhugtega," he said.
Singh said he was deeply "wounded" by decision of BJP to not let him contest from Barmer despite his plea that he wanted to serve his motherland in what could be his last term in the Lok Sabha.
The new avatar of BJP in which senior leaders are being sidelined is making the party "destructably (sic) aggressive" instead of getting progressive, Singh said here today.
Singh, who was expelled by the party yesterday for six years for refusing to withdraw his nomination as an independent form Barmer, further added that no political party should become handmaiden of an individual.
He also hit hard at BJP president Rajhnath Singh saying that he had cautioned the party about his (Rajnath Singh's) presidency and that the party would be victim of his decision.
In an interview to PTI, Singh said, "I don't think veneration of an individual is a proper attitude for a political party. There was a very great leader of France who said that graveyards of world are full of those who are considered indispensable to their nations.
"We must learn the essence of this. Individuals are transitory. The nation and political organisations that aspire to or endeavour to serve the country must not become handmaiden of individuals."
The former Union Minister was reacting to BJP coining the "Namo" chant and glorification of individuals over party.
On a question whether it was a good thing to announce Prime Minister in advance, he said good or bad it has happened. "Samay bataega aur Bharat bhugtega," he said.
Singh said he was deeply "wounded" by decision of BJP to not let him contest from Barmer despite his plea that he wanted to serve his motherland in what could be his last term in the Lok Sabha.
The new avatar of BJP in which senior leaders are being sidelined is making the party "destructably (sic) aggressive" instead of getting progressive, Singh said here today.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%