Decision taken after consultation with party members: RLD president Jayant Singh agrees to abide by NDA

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RLD) leader Jayant Singh on Monday said while announcing Bharat Ratna for his grandfather Chaudhary Charan Singh Ratna), the decision to accept the NDA was taken after consulting the party’s MLAs and staff.

Asked if party MLAs were upset about RLD joining the NDA, Singh said: “If anyone reports this, I don’t think they have spoken to the MLAs. I spoke to the MLAs and workers and then made the decision The decision was made. There was no plan and we were forced to make a decision at short notice.”

Although Singh and the BJP are yet to make an official announcement, both parties have given ample hints about the RLD’s shift from the India Group to the NDA ever since Charan Singh was appointed to the top civilian award on February 9.

“We have good intentions for our people and country. We were very happy when Bharat Ratna was given. It is not just limited to our families or parties. It is for every farmer, youth, poor person It’s an honor to say it all,” Singh said on the sidelines of an event to mark the birth anniversary of his father Ajit Singh. Asked when he would announce his alliance with the BJP, he avoided a direct answer and said, “Today is an important moment and we are celebrating”.

“Dil Jeet Liya (You have won our hearts),” Singh posted on X after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Charan Singh would be awarded the Bharatnana Medal. Singh also lashed out at critics who said this was part of the move to an NDA deal, saying such remarks belittled the legacy of the former prime minister.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)