• Source:JND
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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Besides, the prestigious award will also be conferred to agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, PM Modi said.

The Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh seems to pave the way for the alliance between the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rumours of which have been doing rounds since last few weeks. Hinting at a possible alliance, RLD Chief and grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh, Jayant Chaudhary, on Friday heaped praises on PM Modi and said that he did what previous governments failed to do.

Also Read: Narasimha Rao To LK Advani To MS Swaminathan; In A First, Five Bharat Ratna Awards Conferred This Year

Responding to a query by media persons over RLD's alliance with BJP, Jayant Chaudhary said, "Koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj main kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke sawalon ko" (Is there anything left? How can I refuse your questions today?).

"It is a big day and an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government and PM Modi because this was part of his vision. Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision," he added.

Jayant Chaudhary, whose RLD contested the UP Assembly Elections 2022 in alliance with Samajwadi Party (SP) winning nine of the 33 seats it contested, further targeted the previous UPA government for not recognising the farmer leaders during their tenure.

"What previous governments could not do until today has been completed by PM Modi's vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi's government for encouraging people who aren't part of the mainstream. It is a big day and an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government, and PM Modi because this was part of his vision. Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision," he said.

However, the RLD Chief kept some room open for further negotiation saying that speaking about seats on a day like this wasn't the right thing. "Talking about seats or votes will make this day less important. When I am congratulating & PM Modi has given a decision which proves he understands the basic sentiments and character of the nation," the RLD chief added.

Rumours are rife that RLD may join hands with BJP-led NDA for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. However, no official confirmation has been given by both the parties. RLD ally Samajwadi Party leaders including party chief Akhilesh Yadav have so far denied these rumours, calling Jayant Chaudhary an "educated person" who would not hurt the sentiments of the farmers by joining the BJP.

Also Read: Who Was MS Swaminathan, 'Father Of India's Green Revolution', Conferred With Bharat Ratna

Earlier in the day Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said he hasn't spoken to Jayant Chaudhary since the award was announced for Chaudhary Charan Singh. "There have been no talks here. Whatever it is, is being published in newspapers, I am getting all the information through you" Akhilesh had said.

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