Haldwani: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s competence and foresight for “safeguarding” India from the ripple effects of global instability, asserting that the country has remained secure despite the escalating conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at an event here on the completion of four years of the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government’s second term in Uttarakhand, the defence minister backed the prime minister’s stance that “war is not a solution” and called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
“The world is passing through a period of crisis. The continuous attacks in West Asia are a matter of concern for the global community. Our prime minister has clearly stated that a resolution will only emerge through dialogue and diplomacy,” Singh said in a post on X in Hindi.
“When the world is at war, no country can remain unaffected. India may also be impacted during such times, but our prime minister, through his competence, capability and foresight, has ensured that the country does not get trapped in these crisis,” he said.
Singh noted that the ongoing attacks in West Asia are a matter of concern for the global community. “The efforts being made by Modi ji at a global level to resolve this crisis deserve full support,” he added.
While addressing the event, Singh lauded the Uttarakhand government for becoming the first in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He maintained that the UCC was a provision envisioned by the makers of the Constitution, but was long delayed due to the “politics of appeasement” by parties like the Congress.
“While other parties play politics to form governments, the BJP does so for nation-building,” Singh remarked, praising Dhami for his “dhurandhar” (prodigious) performance over the last four years.
“After observing his work over the past four years, he should now be called ‘Dhurandhar Dhami’. He has worked at a frantic pace. I could never have imagined that a government in a small state like Uttarakhand could function with such speed. In several sectors, the state has secured the top position in the country,” the defence minister said.
Dhami first took charge of Uttarakhand in July 2021 and began his second consecutive term after the BJP returned to power in 2022. The defence minister noted that Dhami has served as chief minister for five consecutive years, while the BJP has governed the state for nine years, marking a significant chapter in the state’s political history. He hailed the government for rapid progress in infrastructure, tourism, youth employment and women empowerment.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is playing a vital role in national development through a blend of spirituality and modernity,” Singh added.
Highlighting major connectivity projects, the defence minister mentioned that work worth over Rs 2 lakh crore is currently underway, including the Chardham All-Weather Road, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
Singh asserted that the “double-engine government” — referring to the BJP being in power at both the Centre and the state — has set Uttarakhand on an unstoppable path toward becoming a developed state.
He also praised the government’s focus on veterans, noting that Uttarakhand is the only state to have tripled the ex-gratia for Param Vir Chakra recipients from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. He further cited the construction of the ‘Sainya Dham’ as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
Speaking about internal security and cultural integrity, Singh stated there is no room for illegal infiltration in the state. He commended the chief minister’s crackdown on such activities and the removal of 10,000 illegal encroachments.
