RLD mulls joining NDA after Union govt announces Bharat Ratna for Charan Singh
On Friday, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the late Chaudhary Charan Singh, a former prime minister, would be conferred the Bharat Ratna, when Rashtriya Lok Dal (founded by Charan Singh’s son, Ajit Singh) President Jayant Chaudhary (Ajit Singh’s son and therefore, Chaudhary Charan Singh’s grandson) was asked if he is prepared to collaborate with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he responded, “Is there any room for doubt? How can I refuse your questions at this point?”
Commending the Union government’s decision to reward Charan Singh with the nation’s highest civilian honour, he remarked that this choice demonstrates Narendra Modi’s grasp of the nation’s sentiment and ethos.
“Throughout his life, he devoted himself to the welfare of farmers, whether serving as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh or as home minister of the country. Even during his tenure as an MLA, he consistently prioritised nation-building. He bravely opposed the Emergency, and his unwavering commitment to our farming community continues to be a source of inspiration,” Modi remarked.
These developments have unfolded against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere in the state. Amid ongoing negotiations with the Samajwadi Party (SP) regarding the specifics of seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh for the general election, the RLD is inching closer to aligning with the NDA.
