Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a journey across India, offering a living reflection of the nation’s great personalities and inspiring initiatives: Energy Minister Anil Vij

On the mention of Ashok Singhal in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Anil Vij says: “It was because of Ashok Singhal’s struggles that the grand Ram Temple was built in Ayodhya; I had a close association with him”

“Those who demolished the Somnath Temple have all disappeared, but we remain: Anil Vij

Cleanliness and environmental protection are the greatest duties of humankind: Anil Vij

Chandigarh, September 27: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a journey across the country, showcasing the people, communities, eminent personalities and inspiring initiatives taking place in different parts of India. He said that through the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to bring before the nation stories of people and initiatives that are making inspiring contributions to society.

“Ashok Singhal’s Struggles Contributed to the Construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya”

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of Ashok Singhal during the programme, Sh. Vij said that the Prime Minister spoke about Ashok Singhal and his efforts, which, according to him, contributed to the construction of the grand Shri Ram Temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Sh. Vij said that “I had a very good relationship with Ashok Singhal ji. When there was a solar eclipse in Kurukshetra, I got an opportunity to work with him as an aide for 15 days. There were also two campaigns in Ayodhya, where I worked under his guidance.” The Energy Minister said that Ashok Singhal made significant contributions to the work of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and had deep insight and vision. Recalling his last days, Sh. Vij said that when Ashok Singhal was admitted to Medanta Hospital, he had visited him to enquire about his health. Vij said, “Even there, he did not allow me to leave for four hours and kept me with him. I had a very close relationship with him.”

Sh. Vij was speaking to media persons after watching the 138th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at the Central Phoenix Club in Ambala Cantonment today. On his arrival, Club Chairman Arun Gupta and others welcomed him with bouquets.

“Those Who Demolished Somnath Temple Have Disappeared, But We Remain”: Vij

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s remarks about the Somnath Temple during ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Sh. Vij said that the programme highlighted how the Somnath Temple had been demolished several times by Mahmud Ghazni, but the attackers had ultimately disappeared while the temple and its legacy continued to endure. On the occasion, Energy Minister Anil Vij recited the lines: “हस्ती मिटती नहीं हमारी, यूं तो रहा है दुश्मन, दौर-ए-ज़माँ हमारा”.” He said that the legacy of the temple continues to remain intact and that the grand Somnath Temple stands there today.

“Cleanliness and Environmental Protection Are Among Humanity’s Greatest Duties”: Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about Mahatma Gandhi and connected his message with cleanliness. He said that cleanliness campaigns are being undertaken across states, streets and neighbourhoods, and that people should draw inspiration from these efforts. Vij said that cleanliness is one of the most important public campaigns and cannot be successfully implemented without people’s participation. He said that Prime Minister Modi had also sought to draw everyone’s attention towards the importance of public participation in cleanliness initiatives. Referring to the environment, Sh. Vij said that protecting and preserving it is a responsibility of humankind.

‘Mann Ki Baat’ Highlights Inspiring Work Taking Place Across the Country

Sh. Vij said that every month, through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, people across the country are introduced to inspiring initiatives and good work being carried out in different parts of India. He said that Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the importance of amla (Indian gooseberry) and its connection with Self-Help Groups. According to Sh. Vij, such Self-Help Groups can help expand economic and business activities, while the cultivation of amla can provide benefits to people. He added that elders have also traditionally spoken about the various benefits of amla.
During the programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared information on several subjects, including cleanliness, environmental protection, the campaign for a drug-free youth, ‘Vocal for Local’ and Poshan Maah, among other issues. Prime Minister also extended greetings to the people for the upcoming festivals and appealed to them to celebrate the occasions together with their families and loved ones.

On the occasion, Club Chairman Arun Gupta, former Chairman Sanjeev Walia, senior BJP leader Kapil Vij, BS Bindra, Advocate DS Mathur, Gopi Sehgal, Shailendra Khanna, Jaswant Jain, Balkesh Vats, Deepak Bhasin, Anil Behal and other dignitaries were present.

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*Energy Minister Anil Vij Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations, Says He Is Attacking Democratic Institutions*

*“Updating and Correcting Electoral Rolls Is Essential for a Democratic System”: Anil Vij*

Chandigarh, September 27: Amid allegations being levelled by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the Election Commission, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and electoral rolls, Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi had, on September 24, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the electoral process, including what he described as “vote chori”. Reacting to these allegations, Minister Vij alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s actions appeared to indicate an attempt to replace the country’s democratic system with an authoritarian system.

Speaking to media persons today, Energy Minister Anil Vij responded to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations and said that Rahul Gandhi had inherited what he described as the “authoritarian streak” of his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and alleged that he was repeatedly attacking independent democratic institutions.

*Anil Vij Defends Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Says Electoral Rolls Must Be Corrected*

On the Congress demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Minister Anil Vij defended him and said that the Chief Election Commissioner had undertaken the process of updating electoral rolls within his constitutional authority. According to Minister Vij, incorrect names should not remain on electoral rolls, while the names of people who have died or moved away from their registered addresses should be removed.

Countering the opposition, Vij said that electoral rolls in states where opposition parties have won elections were also prepared by the Election Commission. He said that if the opposition does not have confidence in these electoral rolls, then leaders who won elections on the basis of the same rolls should first resign from their respective positions.

On the issue of names being removed from electoral rolls under SIR, Vij said that if a person no longer resides at the registered address, has moved elsewhere, or has died, then the person’s name should be removed from the electoral roll. He described this as part of the Election Commission’s jurisdiction. Calling Gyanesh Kumar’s work worthy of respect, Vij said that correcting electoral rolls that have remained in place for a long time is necessary for the proper functioning of a democratic system.

*Vij Takes a Dig at Question of Rahul Gandhi Becoming Prime Minister*

Responding to a question about whether Rahul Gandhi could ever become Prime Minister, Energy Minister Anil Vij made a sarcastic remark, saying that the country had “not yet committed such a sin” as to have someone like Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister. Taking another swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vij said that Rahul Gandhi was now acting more like a comedian than a politician.

On Rahul Gandhi’s claim of connecting with “Gen-Z”, Vij referred to the Delhi University Students’ Union elections and said that the ABVP had won key positions. Reports of the ABVP’s victory in the Delhi University elections have also emerged.

*“Action Against Robert Vadra Will Be Taken According to Law”: Vij*

On the question of action in Haryana in connection with land-related matters involving Robert Vadra, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the government functions in accordance with the Constitution and the law. He said that action is taken only after completion of the legal process and that whatever punishment is prescribed under law would be imposed. On the question of arrest, Vij again referred to the prescribed legal process.

*Vij Takes a Dig at ‘Cockroach Janta Party’*

Energy Minister Anil Vij also took a dig at the “Cockroach Janta Party”, a term mentioned in the context of a group that has been discussed among young people. He said that so far, only “tamasha” had been witnessed from the group and that it had not undertaken any positive work. Regarding the group’s inspection of schools, Vij said that anyone having suggestions regarding the education system could put forward those suggestions. However, he said that visiting schools in different states and presenting such inspections as a spectacle was not an appropriate approach.

*On BJP–Shiromani Akali Dal Alliance in Punjab, Vij Says Party High Command’s Stand Is Correct*

On the question of an alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab, Minister Vij said that whatever the party high command has stated is correct. He expressed support for the party’s current position regarding an alliance in Punjab.