I am the bridegroom: Rajnath Singh

Amidst a discussion in the Bharatiya Janata Party over the prime ministerial candidacy, newly re-elected BJP chief Rajnath Singh likened himself to a "bridegroom", whose endeavour would be to take the "bride" (power) from Uttar Pradesh to install her in Delhi.

"I am in a dilemma as to how I should welcome you as I am part of both the guests and hosts and I am also the bridegroom. We will take the bride from UP and install her in Delhi," an elated Rajnath Singh, who was re-elected as BJP president, said.

Delivering the presidential address after being formally ratified as the party chief for the next three years by the national council in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

At the same time Rajnath Singh, who was seated between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Kishenchand Advani, hailed the two stalwarts as "top leaders" who have been "giving their light like the Sun" and have made a "deep impact" on the people.

He said Vajpayee and Advani have contributed immensely for sustaining democracy in the country and have also maintained internal democracy within the party.

Apparently concerned over the growing mistrust and one-up-manship in the organisation, Rajnath Singh also went the extra mile to emphasise the need to maintain 'mutual trust' saying there should be no 'violation' of  dignity and decorum while conducting oneself in the party.

Rajnath Singh's remarks have come in the backdrop of the 'PM-in-waiting' controversy  in the party recently.

The issue of Ram temple at Ayodhya, so far missing from the agenda of the BJP's ongoing national council meeting, on Saturday found a mention in the speech of Rajnath Singh when he reiterated the BJP's commitment to construct a "grand Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya".

Seeking to give a message to party workers that the issue was still alive, the BJP president dared the Congress and Samajwadi Party to construct the Babri mosque at the disputed site.

"The parties had announced to construct Babri mosque at the disputed site. Now, the BJP challenges them to do so," he asserted amid applause by party members present at Saraswati Shishu Mandir, where the council is underway.

With UNI inputs