New Delhi: Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) president and Rajya Sabha MP Jayant Chaudhary shared the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut on Sunday, where he lauded Modi's leadership and role in recognizing former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh's contributions.
Chaudhary expressed gratitude towards Modi, suggesting that Charan Singh might not have received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award if Modi hadn't been the Prime Minister, reported news agency PTI.
This statement came as the Lok Sabha election campaign kicked off with Modi addressing a rally in Meerut, alongside members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the RLD chief.
The RLD recently separated from the 'I.N.D.I.A.' bloc, an alliance of opposition parties, and joined the BJP-led NDA. The NDA has extended support to RLD candidates in Baghpat and Bijnor Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.
The RLD chief said that Chaudhary Charan Singh considered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as his ideal, as per the PTI report.
Highlighting Charan Singh's principles, Chaudhary mentioned the leader's stance against corruption, drawing parallels with Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's anti-corruption efforts.
Chaudhary also praised the Modi government's direct benefit transfer initiatives, contrasting it with past governance practices, particularly targeting former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's administration.
Gandhi used to say that the government sends one rupee and 15 paise reaches the people. But today in Modi's government, the benefit goes directly into the beneficiary's account. In this way, the Modi government is showing the end of corruption, he added, the PTI report added.
In a veiled reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Chaudhary shared an anecdote about Charan Singh's humility and integrity, implying a contrast with current political figures.
Chaudhary said that today people want to enjoy the pleasures of power even (when they are) behind bars. But Chaudhary Charan Singh did not even use the government vehicle after leaving the post of minister, he added.
Asserting high hopes for the upcoming elections, Chaudhary emphasized the need to surpass expectations and achieve significant electoral success, hinting at a target of 400 seats.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi affectionately referred to Chaudhary as his 'chhota bhai' (younger brother), further highlighting the camaraderie between the two leaders, reported PTI.