RLD’s Jayant Singh praises Modi government for Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharat Ratna

Amid speculation about RLD joining the BJP-led NDA ahead of the election, regional party leader Jayant Singh on Saturday praised the Modi government for paying tribute to his grandfather with the Bharat Ratna and paying tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

He said only a government “rooted in reality” could make such a decision.

As soon as Singh started thanking the government for the honours, Congress MPs objected and Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to know the rules under which RLD leaders were allowed to speak.

It is a matter of pride, said Haq, who asked former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan “Salutes”, both of them were awarded the Bharat Ratna Medal.

“There is no controversy about honoring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise a question, you (the chairman) ask ‘under which rule’.” (I wonder) under what rules he (Jayant Singh) is allowed to speak. Give us permission too. On one hand, you talk about rules… you have discretion… and this discretion should be used wisely, And not when you want to…” Hager said, causing a huge uproar in the House.

Congress chief Haq also accused the chairman of not following the rules.

The Chairman attempted to restore order in the House.

Amid the uproar, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala expressed surprise as to why Congress was opposing Bharat Ratna and Chaudhry Charan Singh.

“The leader of the opposition is challenging the chairman on such an occasion (celebration of the Bharatnana Award)… This is the true face of the Congress… The Congress has been exposed,” Rupala said.

Jayant Singh said he was shocked at the “disrespect” shown by the Congress towards Charan Singh in the House.

He complained that respect for figures like Charan Singh was seen through a political prism and was tied to the formation of political alliances and winning and losing elections.

“I have a favor. Only a government rooted in reality that understands and amplifies the voices from the grassroots can pay tribute to ‘Dhartiputra’ Charan Singh and Bharat Ratna,” said Jayant Chaudhary.

Leader of the House and Union Minister Piyush Goyal asked Leader of the Opposition Haq to apologize to the Chairman and the nation for his remarks.

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