“Dil jeet liya”. This was what Jayant Chaudhary posted on X, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh. Speaking to reporters soon after, Jayant, grandson of the former Prime Minister and president of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) which is a key player in western UP politics, dropped broad hints of walking out of the Opposition INDIA bloc to sew up an alliance with the BJP. VIDEO | Here's what RLD chief @jayantrld said on Bharat Ratna for former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh. "Today is a big day for the country and an emotional moment for me. I thank the President, Indian government and especially PM Modi, because this decision is a part of his… pic.twitter.com/992SDYzM9r — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 9, 2024 Asked if he was joining hands with the BJP, he said, “Dekhiye koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj mai kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke iss sawal ko?” (Is there anything left? With which face can I deny this question today?). He said Prime Minister Modi has fulfilled the dream of his father and RLD founder Chaudhary Ajit Singh by honouring Chaudhary Charan Singh. “I thank the President, Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji because it is part of his vision, and his decision on Bharat Ratna for three persons, particularly Chaudhary Charan Singh, has sent a big message across the country.” He said Modi has proved that he “understands very well” the “basic sentiment and character” of the country. “A decision that none of the past governments took, that became possible due to Narendra Modi’s vision, efforts and dedication,” he said. “It was a dream of Chaudhary Ajit Singh Ji. So from my heart, I express thanks and gratitude, especially to Modi Ji, for fulfilling the dream… Modi Ji has won the heart of every follower of Chaudhary Charan Singh.” Reminded that he had said he would not flip like a coin, he said, “I express my view according to the prevailing situation. In politics, what the Opposition says should be forgotten. One should remember what the government says.” The RLD had contested the UP Assembly elections in 2022 in alliance with the SP and had won 8 seats. Later, Jayant Chaudhary was elected to Rajya Sabha with SP support. The SP had also announced that it would leave 7 seats in UP for the RLD in the Lok Sabha elections.
