Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Choudhary praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for awarding Bharat Ratna to Choudhary Charan Singh and hinted strongly at the prospect of joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

When questioned about the impact of Bharat Ratna awarded to his grandfather on his proximity to the BJP, Jayant Choudhary refrained from a direct affirmation but implied his inclination. He stated, "While congratulating Prime Minister Modi wholeheartedly, it reflects a decision demonstrating the Prime Minister's understanding of the nation's sentiments. With this move, PM Modi has garnered the support of all Choudhary Charan Singh's followers," thereby indicating clear intentions regarding his future political alignment.

The RLD chief expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a decision deemed unprecedented by previous administrations. He attributed the recognition bestowed upon Choudhary Charan Singh to the vision and endeavours of Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing its potential to empower individuals outside the mainstream.

He further remarked that the conferral of Bharat Ratna upon Choudhary Charan Singh fulfilled the long-standing aspiration of his father, Choudhary Ajit Singh. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he thanked Prime Minister Modi for realizing his father's dream.

Earlier, Jayant Choudhary responded to PM Modi's post on the Bharat Ratna announcement with a concise reply, "You have won my heart." The conferment of Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh coincides with strong indications suggesting that the RLD, which holds significant influence among farmers and Jats in western Uttar Pradesh, is poised to switch sides and join the NDA.

When queried about the possibility of joining the NDA, Jayant emphasized the significance of the occasion and refrained from discussing elections, seats, or alliances. He asserted his allegiance to the opposition bloc, I.N.D.I.A.

However, Jayant issued a stern message to the Samajwadi Party, his ally of the last five years, by demanding "due respect" from allies.

Last month, both Jayant and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh confirmed a tie-up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On January 19, Akhilesh Yadav posted a photo of him shaking hands with Jayant Chaudhary on social media, announcing the RLD and SP alliance. Jayant reposted it, affirming their alliance, with the SP unilaterally offering seven seats to the RLD.

Tensions arose in the alliance as Jayant postponed the unveiling a statue of his father, Ajit Singh, in Baghpat that fuels speculation of RLD's potential NDA alliance. The move hinted at a BJP-RLD alliance, with the possibility of the statue being unveiled by a senior BJP leader, possibly PM Narendra Modi.

Image source: India Today