NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Choudhary on Friday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna to Choudhary Charan Singh and dropped strong hints on the possibility of joining BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
When asked if Bharat Ratna to his grandfather has brought him close to the BJP, Jayant Choudhary did not say “Yes” but made his answer obvious. “When I am congratulating Prime Minister Modi wholeheartedly … it is a decision that shows Prime Minister understands feelings and pulse of the country. Today, with this decision PM Modi has won the hearts of all the followers of Choudhary Charan Singh,” Jayant said giving clear signals about his next political move.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a decision which no other government in the past could take. This great honour to Choudhary Charan Singh has become possible due to the vision and efforts of Prime Minister Modi. I thank him. The government’s decision will give strength and courage to those who are not in the mainstream,” the RLD chief added.
“Bharat Ratna to Choudhary Charan Singh was the dream of my father Choudhary Ajit Singh. I thank Modiji from my heart for fulfilling the dream of my father,” he added.
Earlier today, Jayant Choudhary had reacted to PM Modi’s post on Bharat Ratna announcement with a one-line reply “Dil jeet liya (You have won my heart).” Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh comes amid strong indications that RLD, which holds considerable clout among farmers and Jats in western Uttar Pradesh, is all set to switch sides and join NDA.
When asked about the possibility of his joining NDA, Jayant said “Talking about seats, elections or alliance today is like reducing the importance of this great day and great occasion, which does not come again and again. Today is a time for all of us to celebrate and rejoice.”
On Thursday, Jayant Choudhary had asserted that he is with the opposition bloc INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) amid reports of an imminent political switch. However, in a strong message to Samajwadi Party – its ally of last five years, Jayant had demanded “due respect” from allies.
Ironically, last month both Jayant and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh had already confirmed a tie-up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On January 19, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav posted a photograph of him shaking hands with Jayant Chaudhary on his social media handle and captioned it “RLD aur SP ke gathbandhan ki sabko badhai … jeet ke liye sabhi ek jut ho jayein … jut jayein.” Minutes later Jayant reposted it, affirming his party’s alliance with the SP which unilaterally announced seven seats for RLD.
However, ever since there has been a strain in the ties. Jayant added fuel to speculations of joining NDA by postponing the unveiling of a statue of his father and party founder Ajit Singh in Baghpat on February 11. The decision was seen as a prelude to RLD striking an alliance with the BJP and getting the statue unveiled by a senior BJP leader — perhaps PM Narendra Modi.
When asked if Bharat Ratna to his grandfather has brought him close to the BJP, Jayant Choudhary did not say “Yes” but made his answer obvious. “When I am congratulating Prime Minister Modi wholeheartedly … it is a decision that shows Prime Minister understands feelings and pulse of the country. Today, with this decision PM Modi has won the hearts of all the followers of Choudhary Charan Singh,” Jayant said giving clear signals about his next political move.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a decision which no other government in the past could take. This great honour to Choudhary Charan Singh has become possible due to the vision and efforts of Prime Minister Modi. I thank him. The government’s decision will give strength and courage to those who are not in the mainstream,” the RLD chief added.
“Bharat Ratna to Choudhary Charan Singh was the dream of my father Choudhary Ajit Singh. I thank Modiji from my heart for fulfilling the dream of my father,” he added.
Earlier today, Jayant Choudhary had reacted to PM Modi’s post on Bharat Ratna announcement with a one-line reply “Dil jeet liya (You have won my heart).” Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh comes amid strong indications that RLD, which holds considerable clout among farmers and Jats in western Uttar Pradesh, is all set to switch sides and join NDA.
When asked about the possibility of his joining NDA, Jayant said “Talking about seats, elections or alliance today is like reducing the importance of this great day and great occasion, which does not come again and again. Today is a time for all of us to celebrate and rejoice.”
On Thursday, Jayant Choudhary had asserted that he is with the opposition bloc INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) amid reports of an imminent political switch. However, in a strong message to Samajwadi Party – its ally of last five years, Jayant had demanded “due respect” from allies.
Ironically, last month both Jayant and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh had already confirmed a tie-up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On January 19, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav posted a photograph of him shaking hands with Jayant Chaudhary on his social media handle and captioned it “RLD aur SP ke gathbandhan ki sabko badhai … jeet ke liye sabhi ek jut ho jayein … jut jayein.” Minutes later Jayant reposted it, affirming his party’s alliance with the SP which unilaterally announced seven seats for RLD.
However, ever since there has been a strain in the ties. Jayant added fuel to speculations of joining NDA by postponing the unveiling of a statue of his father and party founder Ajit Singh in Baghpat on February 11. The decision was seen as a prelude to RLD striking an alliance with the BJP and getting the statue unveiled by a senior BJP leader — perhaps PM Narendra Modi.
