Following the announcement of conferring the Bharat Ratna award to Chaudhary Charan Singh, his grandson and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary said that it was an “emotional moment” for him.
Addressing the media, he thanked President Droupadi Murmu, the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision.
The decision, which could not be taken by any other government, was “boldly” taken by the NDA government, he said, and thanked PM Modi for fulfilling his father and party founder Chaudhary Ajit Singh’s dream by honouring Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna.
A two-time Chief Minister from Uttar Pradesh, Charan Singh was the fifth PM of the country. He had also served as the deputy PM, Union finance minister and union home minister.
After the announcement was made, in a post on X, Jayant Singh said, “Won my heart”.
The Rajya Sabha member, howeber, declined to comment on the RLD-NDA alliance, and said, “Dekhiye koi kasar rehti hai?.. Aaj main kis muh se inkar karun aapke is sawal ko? (Is there anything left? How can I deny this question today?”.
“Talking about seats or votes will make this day less important. When I am congratulating and PM Modi has given a decision that proves he understands the basic sentiments and character of the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the RLD chief kept the room open for further negotiation saying that speaking about seats on a day like this wasn’t the right thing.
Jayant said he has not made any announcement about joining the NDA, but dropped a hint as he said, “… Koi kasar reh gai hai batao? (Is there anything left?)”.
On Friday, PM Modi announced that former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. Along with them, MS Swaminathan, also known as the father of the green revolution, will also be awarded the country’s highest civilian award.