Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and a strong critic of his own party's government, Shatrughan Sinha delivered a powerful speech at the launch of Rashtra Manch (National Forum) on Tuesday, 30 January. Rashtra Manch, an organisation he co-founded with fellow BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, aims to shed light on pressing issues of national consequence.
Speaking to The Quint's Neeraj Gupta, Shatrughan Sinha said:
The purpose of this organisation is to bring all political leaders worried about the prevailing state of affairs in the country, regardless of the parties they are affiliated with, on one common platform.
The forum’s launch was attended by Trinamool Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari, AAP leader Ashutosh and ambassador KC Singh among others.
In his conversation with The Quint, Shatrughan Sinha said that a lot of people are worried because legislators from various political parties have come together to form Rashtra Manch. However, he added, there really is no reason for them to worry.
The entire approach of Rashtra Manch is constructive. The purpose is to look into matters of national concern, whether they are health, education, national security, internal democracy, unemployment or farmer welfare.Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrugan Sinha also pointed out that Rashtra Manch is "pro people."
On being asked if he is a rebel, Sinha answered, "If saying the truth is rebellion, then yes, I am a rebel."
(With inputs from Hindi Quint)
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