Since Singh was thrice a chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and was into active politics in his home state till recently, there were speculations in political circles that his tenure as governor of Rajasthan, which has a vibrant chief minister like Raje, might be adventurous. In fact, Singh too had expressed reluctance in accepting the post initially.
After taking oath as the state's 20th governor on Thursday, Singh addressed a press conference at the Raj Bhawan and called Raje his younger sister. "Late Vijaya Raje Scindia treated me like her elder son and that family relation is still continuing. Today I feel like a big brother coming to a younger sister's home," the newly appointed governor said. He showered praises on Raje identifying her as "dedicated, able, visionary, struggler and a leader who fights for the lower sections of society".
He asserted that there was no need for him to continue his predecessors' tradition of holding "Janata Darbar (to hear common man's grievances) at the Raj Bhawan since 'Raje would never ignore the common man's pleas."
Singh praised Rajasthan as the land of brave, sacrificing and hardworking people. "I have come here to serve the people of Rajasthan who have the best history," he said.
On being asked if the governor's assignment was a way to sideline him in the BJP like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, Singh replied, "The party has actually honoured me; I am not being sidelined." He explained: "My role has changed. Earlier I played active politics in Uttar Pradesh. Now my new innings is about to start (as governor) and I will give my best here too."
During his oath ceremony, hundreds of supporters who had come from his home state shouted "Jai Shree Ram" and "Vande Mataram" slogans at the Raj Bhawan. When asked if such slogans harmed the sanctity of a constitutional office like that of a governor, Singh said, "It (religious slogans) is matter of faith and love for god. We cannot check it." These slogans had created a nationwide stir when he was the UP chief minister and the disputed Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992. The state Congressmen condemned such slogans in Raj Bhawan.
The new Rajasthan governor hit at the Congress on the debate generated by the appointment of former chief justice of India P Sathasivam as governor of Kerala. "What is the harm in appointing Ex-CJI as governor?" Singh asked, while rubbishing the link the Congress was suggesting between Sathasivam's appointment and his judgment in the Amit Shah case. "Congress is left with nothing to do, so it is raking up unnecessary controversies," Singh responded.
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