Rajnath Singh unveils portraits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya in Delhi Assembly
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday unveiled portraits of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and noted educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya in the Delhi Assembly, underscoring the values of ethical politics, integrity and public service that the two leaders embodied.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Singh said politics should never be reduced to a mere pursuit of power, but must be treated as a moral responsibility entrusted by the people. “Politics is not meant for the pursuit of power. It is a sacred trust of public service, and democracy endures only when guided by integrity and character,” he said, according to an official statement issued by the Delhi Assembly secretariat.
Legacy of ethical leadership
Highlighting the contribution of both leaders, the Defence Minister said Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya represented the highest standards of moral integrity in public life. He noted that their conduct in politics and public affairs continues to serve as a benchmark for leaders across generations.
Mr. Singh said Vajpayee’s statesmanship, inclusive vision and commitment to democratic values helped shape modern India, while Malaviya’s contribution to education and nationalism laid a strong intellectual and cultural foundation for the country. Malaviya was a key figure in India’s freedom movement and one of the founders of Banaras Hindu University, besides being associated with early nationalist organisations.
According to Mr. Singh, remembering such leaders in public institutions like legislative assemblies was essential to ensure that democratic processes remained anchored in values rather than short-term political gains. “Their lives remind us that national interest must always take precedence over personal or partisan considerations,” he said.
‘Guiding lights’ for future generations
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were also present at the unveiling ceremony and paid rich tributes to the two leaders. Speaker Gupta said Vajpayee believed governance must begin with empathy for the poor, the needy and the oppressed, a philosophy that continues to guide the Bharatiya Janata Party’s approach to public policy.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the portraits were not symbolic decorations but enduring reminders of value-based leadership. “These portraits are not merely images on the walls of the Assembly. They are guiding lights for India’s present and future,” she said.
She added that Vajpayee’s emphasis on consensus-building and Malaviya’s dedication to education and cultural resurgence continue to inspire leaders to pursue governance rooted in ethics, compassion and long-term vision.
Significance of the event
Political observers note that the installation of such portraits in legislative spaces often reflects an effort to highlight ideological lineage and reinforce core values within democratic institutions. In this case, the Delhi Assembly’s move is being seen as a reaffirmation of the BJP’s emphasis on nationalism, good governance and moral conduct in politics.
The event also comes at a time when public discourse frequently centres on the erosion of trust in political systems. Speakers at the ceremony stressed that revisiting the lives and principles of leaders like Vajpayee and Malaviya could help restore faith in democratic governance.
By placing their portraits in the Assembly, leaders said they hoped legislators and visitors alike would be reminded of the larger purpose of public service and the responsibility that comes with holding office.
Our Final Thoughts
The unveiling of portraits of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya in the Delhi Assembly is more than a ceremonial gesture. It serves as a reminder of a political tradition rooted in integrity, inclusiveness and long-term national vision. At a time when politics is often criticised for prioritising power over principle, invoking the legacy of leaders known for ethical conduct carries symbolic weight. Whether such reminders translate into everyday governance remains a challenge, but institutional spaces that honour values-based leadership can play a role in shaping political culture. By spotlighting figures associated with consensus, education and national service, the message sent is clear: democracy thrives not merely through electoral victories, but through character, responsibility and a commitment to the public good.