New Delhi: Training guns at the Samajwadi Party, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday remarked that a real socialist is one who includes all sections of society and not those who engage in appeasement politics.
Those who simply talk about 'Samajwad' (socialism) are 'khote sikke' (false coins) that cannot be utilised in the market, he claims, PTI reported.
Speaking at an election gathering in the Ramnagar Assembly constituency, Singh said the term 'Samajwadi Party' and its leaders did not go well together because simply having such a moniker does not make one a "Samajwadi".
Explaining socialism, the senior BJP leader stated, "A real Samajwadi is someone who brings everyone along. A person who engages in appeasement politics and strives to build a government by dividing society cannot be a Samajwadi".
In an apparent allusion to the SP leaders, Singh stated, "These guys who are talking about Samajwad have turned into khote sikke," and "khote sikke" are not utilised in the market. The Samajwadi Party of today will not succeed in Uttar Pradesh politics.
He described Barabanki as a socialist stronghold, saying, "When the Congress-ruled India, the people of this town sided with great socialists like Ram Sevak Yadav and Ram Manohar Lohia. However, after the emergence of false 'Samajwadis' in the state, the people's myth has been shattered".
He claimed that the BJP is a party that has absorbed and adhered to the fundamental core of socialism.
"We've taken care of the hunger and terror difficulties. As a result, I can claim that they (SP) are imposters, whereas we are the ones who have genuinely progressed toward socialism. And if somebody tries to jeopardise the country's security, we are nationalists who will respond appropriately," he said.
The former UP CM recalled his involvement with Barabanki, saying he had been elected as an MLA from the district's Haidargarh Assembly constituency, and the people had appointed him chief minister.
On February 27, Barabanki will vote in the fifth phase.
(With PTI Inputs)