Chandigarh: Renowned Sufi singer and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Hans Raj Hans has announced his retirement from active politics, saying he now wishes to devote his time entirely to music and spiritual practice.
Hans, a former Member of Parliament from Delhi, made the remarks while speaking to the media at the Press Club in Chandigarh. Commenting on the recent Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, he said he was no longer aware of where elections were taking place or who was winning them, underlining his complete disengagement from political affairs.
The veteran singer said his current focus is on music and rigorous practice. He also extended greetings to people on the occasion of the 649th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji, describing the saint as a spiritual guide of the underprivileged who stood firmly against caste-based discrimination.
Reflecting on Guru Ravidas Ji’s vision, Hans said the concept of “Begumpura” represents an ideal society and added that the word itself carries a powerful identity, which, if truly understood, could symbolise a national ethos.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Punjab, Hans expressed concern over reported threats issued by extremist groups. He said anyone visiting Punjab should be able to do so without fear and hoped that no harm would come to any individual entering the state. He prayed that Punjab should never witness tragic incidents linked to violence or threats.
Reacting to bomb threats reportedly made against the Punjab Secretariat and Mini Secretariat in Chandigarh earlier in the day, Hans termed the matter serious and said it deserved the immediate attention of authorities.
When asked about his meetings with Prime Minister Modi, Hans responded metaphorically, saying that meeting a “badshah” depends on the will of the “badshah,” reiterating that he now intends to stay away from political engagement and concentrate solely on his musical journey.
