In a major setback to the opposition, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary on Friday stated that his party will not be able to refuse the offer to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Addressing the media on the Modi government's decision to award the Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Jayant Chaudhary stated: "Koi kasar rehti hai? Aaj main kis muh se inkaar karoon aapke sawalon ko."
"It is a big day and an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government & PM Modi because this was part of his vision. Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision," Jayant Chaudhary said.
When asked about the BJP and reports of his joining the NDA, RLD president Jayant Chaudhary responds, "Talking about seats or votes will make this day less meaningful. When I'm congratulating, and PM Modi makes a choice that demonstrates his understanding of the nation's fundamental thoughts and character."
After the government announced Chaudhary Charan Singh's Bharat Ratna, Jayant Chaudhary turned to social networking platform X and tweeted, "Dil Jeet Liya".
Jayant Chaudhary's RLD has pockets of importance in western Uttar Pradesh, and the BJP will look to expand in this region, which is home to the influential Jat group.
In reality, seven of the 16 seats lost by the BJP in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 Lok Sabha election were from the state's west. It has lost all six seats in the Moradabad division.