'Charan Singh's ideals brought alive in Modi Govt policies': Jayant Chaudhary amid looming RLD-BJP alliance
Jayant Chaudhary lamented that honoring a personality like Charan Singh is seen through a political prism and is associated with forming a political alliance and winning or losing elections.
Lok Sabha polls: Dropping more hints about an impending Rashtriya Lok Dal-BJP alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary on Saturday praised the Modi government for gifting Bharat Ratna to his grandfather Charan Singh. Chaudhary asserted that only a government rooted in ground realities can honor a farmer leader like former Prime Minister Charan Singh.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jayant claimed that the Modi government's policies reflect the ideals cherished by his grandfather Charan Singh. Notably, his comments come amid speculation that the RLD is set to sever ties with the INDIA bloc and join the BJP-led NDA for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Congress 'insults' Charan Singh's legacy
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's decision to allow Singh to speak on the Bharat Ratna honor to Charan Singh drew sharp protests from the Congress, leading to a heated exchange between the Opposition and the treasury benches.
Dhankhar expressed his dissatisfaction over opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge's objections and even accused the Congress leaders of insulting Charan Singh and his legacy.
“It is a historic decision by Prime Minister Modi. Obviously I'll be happy. The honor of bestowing Bharat Ratna is not just limited to Charan Singh's family. This decision will empower farmers, workers and disadvantaged sections of society,” Singh said amid an uproar.
After the House was put in order, Singh completed his remarks.
Witnessed Charan's ideals in the flesh during the workings of the Modi government
The RLD chief lamented that honoring a personality like Charan Singh is seen through a political prism and is associated with forming a political alliance and winning or losing elections.
“I admit that I was in the opposition for ten years. I started sitting here a while ago (Treasury benches). I have seen glimpses of Charan Singh's ideals in the workings of this government over the past decade,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the Modi government for conferring the highest civilian award on Charan Singh, the RLD chief said, “Only a government that is rooted in the ground realities, understands the grassroots voices and amplifies them, can 'dhartiputra ' Honoring Charan Singh with Bharat. Ratna”.
Shortly after the House met that day and the papers listed were placed on the table, the Speaker asked Singh to speak.
As he started speaking, several Opposition MPs stood up and objected to the time given to the RLD MP and asked the Speaker under what rule of the House Singh was allowed to speak.
Singh, however, continued to speak and appealed to Congress members to at least respect Charan Singh.
“Elections come and go. At least respect Charan Singh,” he said.
As the Congress continued its protest, the Speaker asked Kharge to speak.
“There is no debate about honoring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I greet everyone. But if a member wants to raise a topic, ask (chairman) 'under what rule'. (I want to know) Under what rule he (Jayant Singh) is allowed to speak.
'Give us permission too. On the one hand, you talk about rules… You have discretion… that discretion should be used judiciously and not as and when you please,” Kharge said.
Dhankhar ignores RS rules: Congress
The conference chairman also accused the chairman of “not following the rules.” He said if a discussion on Bharat Ratna had been placed on the agenda of the House of Representatives, everyone would have participated in it.
Amid the uproar, Minister Parshottam Rupala expressed surprise over Congress “opposing” the award of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh.
“The Leader of the Opposition is challenging the Speaker and that too on such an occasion (Bharat Ratna celebration ceremony)… this is the real face of Congress… Congress has been exposed,” Rupala said.
Leader of the House of Representatives and Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded an apology from Kharge for the Speaker's “disrespect”.
Dhankhar also expressed shock and pain over the comments made by Kharge and certain other Congress members.
The Chairman warned Congress MP Jairam Ramesh against making comments against Jayant Singh that could not be heard in the din.
“You are someone who can enjoy the cremation ground. The fact is that you do not deserve to be part of the House of Representatives due to this misconduct,” Dhankhar said, apparently referring to Ramesh.
Dhankhar informed the House that the RLD leader was allowed to speak in the House as Singh had made a request last night.
(With PTI inputs)