Curated By: Sheen Kachroo
Last Updated: February 09, 2024, 19:28 IST
He also thanked the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President for conferring the Bharat Ratna award to his late grandfather. (Image: X (Jayant Singh) and Charansingh.org)
In a big move, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary on Friday confirmed an alliance with the BJP in Uttar Pradesh for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said he ‘could not refuse the offer’ after his grandfather was conferred Bharat Ratna
RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary on Friday ‘almost confirmed’ his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Bharat Ratna for his grandfather, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
On being questioned over the ongoing speculations regarding the BJP-RLD alliance, Chaudhary said he ‘could not refuse the offer’ and added that the Centre has won his heart after it announced Bharat Ratna for his grandfather.
Responding to the reporters’ questions regarding RLD joining hands with the BJP-led NDA, Jayant Chaudhary said, “Koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj main kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke sawalon ko (Is there any doubt? How can I refuse today?),” he said.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the RLD chief hinting towards the BJP-led Centre’s move to honour his grandfather with Bharat Ratna wrote, “Dil Jeet Liya (Won the heart)”
“It is a big day and an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government and PM Modi because this was part of his vision…Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision,” he added.
RLD Joins Hands With BJP-Led NDA
According to the seat-sharing agreement, the RLD will contest two Lok Sabha seats — Baghpat and Bijnor. The development was confirmed after PM Modi announced Bharat Ratna for former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan.
According to sources, the party has also been promised a Rajya Sabha seat. Notably, the development is going to give a huge set back to the INDIA bloc ahead of the 2024 general polls.
While addressing a press conference on Friday, Jayant Chaudhary said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands the pulse of the nation. He said, “Modi Ji’s vision did what any other party could not do, till now.”
Notably, the RLD has a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the Jat-dominated region. The BJP wants to leave no stone unturned to maximise the seats in Uttar Pradesh, especially western UP.
Apart from the Jat issue, Chaudhary can also help the BJP negate the impact of farmers’ protests and the wrestlers’ agitation.
(With Agency Inputs)
