'Can't say no': RLD's Jayant Singh confirms alliance with NDA after Bharat Ratna for grandfather Chaudhary Charan Singh

Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Singh Friday said he can’t say no to alliance with BJP-led NDA. His remarks came moments after it was announced that his grandfather and former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh will be conferred with Bharat Ratna.

“Is there any doubt? How can I refuse today?” Jayant said responding to a media query on speculations of him joining the NDA.

#WATCH | When asked if he is ready to join hands with BJP-NDA, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, "Koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj main kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke sawalon ko." pic.twitter.com/6dTo21wzk6

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, announced that former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

Moments after PM Modi’s announcement, Jayant Singh took to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) where he wrote in Hindi, “Dil jeet liya” which roughly translates to “won hearts”.

दिल जीत लिया! #BharatRatna https://t.co/Ns0CraJ7yI

— Jayant Singh (@jayantrld) February 9, 2024

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The move by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to confer Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh is being seen as the party’s outreach to the Jat community.

RLD-BJP seat sharing

According to News18, as per the seat-sharing agreement, in the Lok Sabha polls 2024, RLD will be contesting on two seats - Baghpat and Bijnor.

A report by India Today said RLD has also been promised a Rajya Sabha seat.

The move is seen as a big blow to the Congress-led INDI Alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

‘A big message across the country’

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference on Friday, Jayant Singh said PM Modi understands the sentiments and character of the nation.

“Talking about seats or votes will make this day less important…When I am congratulating and PM Modi has given a decision which proves he understands the basic sentiments and character of the nation.”

He further said it was a “big day and an emotional moment” for him. “I want to thank the President, government & PM Modi because this was part of his vision…Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision,” Singh added.

#WATCH | Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao Garu and M S Swaminathan conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, "It is a big day & an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government & PM Modi because this was part of his… pic.twitter.com/NfMaaprMZT

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

‘PM Modi did what previous govts couldn’t’

“What decision the previous governments could take till today has been boldly taken by this government because of PM Modi’s vision and dedication. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi-led government for encouraging the people who aren’t part of the mainstream,” the RLD chief said.

#WATCH | RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, "What previous governments could not do till today has been completed by PM Modi's vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi's govt for encouraging the people who aren't part of the mainstream..." pic.twitter.com/SydlLmBRzO

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

Jayant Singh-led RLD has a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the Jat-dominated region.

With the elections round the corner, the BJP wants to strengthen its base in the state to maximise the seats, especially in western Uttar Pradesh.

Apart from the Jat issue, Jayant Singh can also help the government negate the impact of farmers’ protest and the wrestlers’ agitation.

With inputs from agencies