"NDA is likely to secure more than 160 seats," says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Bihar elections

New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed confidence over the victory in the Bihar assembly elections, saying that "the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to secure more than 160 seats".
In an exclusive interview with News18, discussing the Bihar elections, Singh stated, "The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to get more than 160 seats."
Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on "10% of the population have control over the Army", Rajnath Singh said that Rahul Gandhi should keep the armed forces out of politics.
"The Armed Forces have only one religion, and it is Sainya Dharam. In the Army, all faiths are respected, and there is no discrimination. I believe Rahul Gandhi should leave the armed forces out of such statements. Don't drag the Army into politics," Singh said.
In the Kutumba poll rally, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Indian Army is "under the control of 10% of the country's population," apparently referring to the dominance of upper castes in the institution. He highlighted the issue of economic inequality in India, stating that despite 90% of the population belonging to marginalised communities, including Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, and minorities, they are underrepresented in corporate India, bureaucracy, judiciary, and other key institutions.
Reaffirming India's commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, Rajnath Singh revealed that the country is close to starting indigenous manufacturing of fighter jet engines.
"We have concept clarity, within a year, we will reach a position where we will build the engines for our fighter aircraft in India, on Indian soil, by Indian hands," he said, adding that talks with companies like GE and Safran are progressing and a final decision will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Singh also highlighted that future collaborations in defence would prioritise joint development and production in India, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbharta.
When asked if there was any American pressure in defence procurement, Singh said, "There is no pressure. Even for what we buy from abroad, we will not compromise on our terms. It may well be possible that we can say India will buy engines from you, but manufacturing must happen in India."
Highlighting self-reliance and indigenisation within India's defence sector, he said, "When it comes to our defence equipment and weapons, we do not want to depend on other countries. We aim to become completely self-reliant, and our efforts are moving in that direction. I would like to say that the progress so far has been good."
Singh also noted that the process of theatreisation is progressing well and that large-scale military drills under Operation Trishul are part of routine exercises. "There is no threat. These are routine exercises that continue to take place, and they are being conducted these days as well," he clarified.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added that India will not be dictated to or pressured by any other country in matters of national security or nuclear testing, asserting that the government will take decisions based solely on the nation's interests.
Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Singh confirmed that it was paused only after India achieved its objectives. "There were repetitive phone calls from the Pakistan DGMO asking for a ceasefire. After those phone calls, and after achieving what we wanted to achieve, we paused the operation," he said, adding, "We will do it again if the need arises."
He clarified that India's forces targeted only terrorist positions, not civilians, and dismissed reports of US involvement in the ceasefire. "The ceasefire was only between India and Pakistan. No third party was involved," he said.
When asked about Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's promotion, Singh quipped, "Promotion toh unhone le liya -- Pakistan cannot be trusted." (ANI)