‘Hinduism is misunderstood. I have no Hindu agenda. I am secular’

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Dr Satyapal Singh has moved back to Meerut and joined the BJP, all ready for a new career in politics

Dr Satyapal Singh gave up his high-profile job as Mumbai Police Commissioner to join politics. At a time when he was due for promotion to the position of Director General of Police—the highest police job—he called it quits. His decision to join politics, particularly the BJP, came as a shock to many, as he never wore his political leanings on his sleeve. Now that his new career needs a new CV, the former cop has moved back to Meerut to reclaim his rural roots. He says he does not ‘believe’ in Ramjanmabhoomi, that nationbuilding knows no colour and that he is a secular person.

Q You gave up your uniform for politics. Why?

A I have been in service for 33 years. As a person in uniform, my sphere of working was very limited. Now, my jurisdiction has increased. It is the whole country, the world. Plato had written long ago that if you want to clean up politics, good people must come in. Good people are needed for the harmonious development of society. I can definitely contribute to that. Otherwise, there is no point in complaining that politics is a dirty place.

Q How can you add value to politics?

A I intend and am here to make a difference. My intention is not to seek a post or power. The post of Mumbai Police Commissioner is a prestigious one known internationally. I have been there, so power is not important to me. I am coming with the clear intention that I want to do something for the nation.

Q What is your focus?

A I can make a difference as I come from a rural agricultural background. I want to make a qualitative improvement in the lives of people, involve them in collective efforts for peace and harmony, improve the quality of education, provide employment, encourage them to compete for opportunities, etcetera.The Government has so many schemes the public is not aware of. These must be communicated to the people so that they can get the available benefits. I want to take up employment programmes which will keep the youth away from criminal activities.

Q Why did you join the BJP?

A I come from western Uttar Pradesh where there is no Congress. [Over] the last 25 years, [this party] has gone away from here. I feel that I am closer to the BJP ideology.

Q While in uniform, did you nurse a latent Hindu agenda?

A I think that Hinduism is misunderstood. I have no Hindu agenda. If someone talks about nation building and saving your heritage, how can it be a Hindu agenda? I am a very secular person.

Q The BJP wants to build a temple at the Ramjanmabhoomi site. Do you endorse this ideology?

A Absolutely not. I do not believe in Ramjanmabhoomi. My focus is nation building and that knows no colour. I believe in an ideology which can foster communal harmony.

Q You joined the BJP at Meerut with much fanfare. Local BJP leaders are not too happy that you will contest the Meerut seat. Do you not begin at a disadvantage?

A I have not joined the Meerut BJP. I have joined the entire nation. So where is the question of beginning at a disadvantage?

Q You are used to the discipline of the uniform. How will you fit into the chaos of politics?

A All these years of disciplining does not go away in a hurry. I will not change, but I can change others and inculcate the value of discipline in them. I cannot be a part of the chaos. I will try to clean up politics, give it direction.

Q So politics is not a post-retirement fancy? Are you in it forever?

A I think so. It is a new career for me.

About The Author

Haima Deshpande