In a surprising turn of events, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary was seen on the government's side during the budget session of Parliament on Saturday, fueling speculations about a potential alliance between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and RLD.
Jayant Chaudhary was seen praising the BJP administration, particularly regarding the recent conferral of the Bharat Ratna upon former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Expressing his gratitude, Jayant Chaudhary lauded the government's decision to honor his grandfather, Chaudhary Charan Singh, with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.
"I am indebted. Only a government which is rooted to ground realities, understands the voices from the ground and strengthens them, can honour 'Dhartiputra' Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna," Jayant Chaudhary said.
"I have been in the opposition for 10 years, I have been sitting on this side of this house for some time, the working style of the present government also has a glimpse of the thoughts of Chaudhary Charan Singh. When PM Modi addresses the issues of toilets in villages, when the GoI makes women empowerment its platform and creates awareness in the villages, I remember Chaudhary Charan Singh ji's quote in it," he said.
Jayant Chaudhary, whose RLD is influential in UP's Jat-dominated areas, had announced an alliance with the Samajwadi Party last month.