Rajnath: Defence Minister or Sankat Mochak of NDA Government?

New Delhi: Rajnath Singh has assumed the office of Defence Minister for the second consecutive term. However, it seems that in the new Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that depends heavily on allies for majority in Lok Sabha, his role will be largely as Sankat Mochak or trouble-shooter defending the interests of his party in the coalition and Parliament.

Reflecting the same, Indian Express today wrote, “There may not be big changes in the Union Cabinet in the new government, but one difference is visible — the emergence of Defence Minister and BJP veteran Rajnath Singh as the key figure for coordinating with the NDA partners.”

Known for his warm ties with leaders across the parties, Singh has been assigned by the party to take up the frosty issues with the allies to evolve a consensus. The first two meetings of the NDA partners since the government formation took place at Singh’s residence — 17, Akbar Road, it added.

Ahead of the Parliament session starting from June 24, a coordination meeting of the NDA ministers was held on Tuesday at Singh’s residence, with home minister Amit Shah and other top leaders attending. Singh chaired the meeting that deliberated on strategies to be adopted during the session, coming to a consensus about exposing Opposition on the floors of both the Houses.

If you remember the coalition days of UPA I & II, this was the job of indispensable Congressman Pranab Mukherjee to steer his party out from such complex political situation. He was the Mr. dependable for all coalition partners and even for opposition parties and Rajnath is likely to follow in his footsteps.

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