Rajnath Singh called for the spiritualisation of politics at a Brahma Kumaris event in Lucknow. He said ethical public life was essential for social trust and India's holistic development.ajnath Singh called for the spiritualisation of politics at a Brahma Kumaris event in Lucknow. (File photo)Lucknow,Nov 13, 2026 16:32 ISTDefence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for the “spiritualisation of politics”, saying political decisions should be guided by ethics and public interest, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Singh said politics should not be limited to gaining power, winning elections and remaining in office.

It should also help guide society and shape the country’s future.Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of Divya Sanskriti Bhawan in Lucknow, he said, “Elections may be won or lost, but I will do what is right and nothing else.”“Politics can achieve its real purpose only when ethics and spiritual consciousness are associated with it. I call this the spiritualisation of politics,” he said.

According to PTI, Singh was attending an event marking 90 years since the establishment of the Brahma Kumaris and 72 years of its spiritual services in Lucknow.The minister said India had emerged as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and had made significant advances in fields ranging from space to artificial intelligence. However, he asked whether the country was losing control over its inner world while progressing in the external world. “We must think whether, while conquering the outside world, we are losing the battle within,” he said.Singh referred to the growing recognition of meditation and mindful living in scientific research.

He said these practices had positive effects on the brain, heart and immune system and helped people manage stress, anxiety and depression.Rejecting the view that spiritual and economic development were opposed to each other, Singh said genuine spiritual growth made people more responsible towards society.“A person who is internally stable does not take decisions in anger. A person filled with self-respect never insults others.

A person who understands contentment does not move towards corruption,” he said.“Countries are not run merely by laws. They are run by character,” he added, stressing that good values were essential for building social trust and harmony.Singh said the vision of a developed India should go beyond economic growth.

It should include honest citizens, values within families, social harmony, respect for women, discipline among young people and a sense of national duty.He said the Brahma Kumaris had an important role in this process, particularly through its initiatives on women’s spiritual leadership and campaigns against substance abuse.Explaining the spiritualisation of politics, Singh said it did not mean linking politics to any particular religion, sect or practice. Instead, it meant connecting public life with universal values such as ethics and duty.He also cited the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, saying they emphasised a ruler’s responsibility towards the welfare of the people.

Political leaders should focus not only on winning the next election but also on improving the future of the next generation, he said.The minister urged young people to focus on building character alongside their careers and to use technology responsibly. “Use technology, but do not let technology dominate you. Gather information, but do not lose your wisdom.

Connect with the world, but remain connected to your roots,” he said.Earlier, Singh said his association with Lucknow, which he represents in Parliament, was deep-rooted. He said he had decided not to cancel his participation in the programme despite being unwell, PTI reported.“My ties with Lucknow are well known.

My roots are connected to this city. Wherever I go, my mind keeps returning here,” he said.Singh said politics must be rooted in ethics, duty and public welfare, while India’s development should combine economic progress with character, social harmony and responsible citizenship.- Ends