New Delhi:
In a noteworthy announcement this Friday afternoon, the government disclosed the posthumous bestowment of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, upon the late Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, utilizing the platform formerly known as Twitter, conveyed the accolade, lauding Mr. Singh for his unparalleled contributions.
Prime Minister Modi articulated, “He devoted his life to the welfare of farmers, whether as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country. Even in his role as an MLA, he consistently propelled nation-building forward. His steadfast opposition to the Emergency and unwavering commitment to our farming brethren is truly inspiring.”
The conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon Chaudhary Charan Singh coincides with reports of a seat-sharing agreement between the BJP and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an organization founded by Singh’s son and presently led by his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary.
Responding to Mr. Modi’s announcement, Jayant Chaudhary expressed on Twitter, “Hearts have been won.”
Sources indicate that the BJP is set to allocate two Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat to the RLD in exchange for its substantial support among Jats and farmers in western Uttar Pradesh. Notably, the RLD insisted on the Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh as a crucial condition for any agreement.
There are speculations regarding the distribution of seats, with Jayant Chaudhary’s party likely to secure the Baghpat and Bijnor constituencies, and the potential candidacy of his wife for the Rajya Sabha. Discussions also include the possibility of ministerial positions for the RLD.
While the BJP proposed two positions in UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet, the RLD expressed its desire for representation in Prime Minister Modi’s central cabinet.
Notably, the RLD recently confirmed an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, intending to contest seven Lok Sabha seats. Faced with the potential loss of RLD support, Akhilesh Yadav emphasized Jayant Chaudhary’s education and political acumen, expressing hope that this would not weaken the ongoing struggle against the BJP for the welfare of farmers and the state’s prosperity.
Akhilesh Yadav’s party, through General Secretary Shivpal Yadav, asserted, “Jayant will not go anywhere,” accusing the BJP of spreading confusion.
Despite downplaying talks of the RLD’s departure, Akhilesh Yadav congratulated Chaudhary Charan Singh while subtly criticizing the BJP, stating that it is fitting for someone who dedicated his life to assisting poor farmers to receive the Bharat Ratna.
This jab comes at a time when the BJP faces renewed protests from farmers. Farmers from UP’s Noida and Greater Noida gathered at Delhi’s border on Thursday, demanding better land prices. The scenes of farmers behind police barricades, reminiscent of protests three years ago against the “black farm laws,” pose a challenge for the BJP.
Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharat Ratna marks the fifth such announcement this year. Other recipients include Congress leader and former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, the BJP’s LK Advani, and renowned agronomist MS Swaminathan.
These awards precede a general election and several Assembly polls, adding significance to the political landscape. The Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur coincided with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s realignment with the BJP, emphasizing the fluidity of political alliances.
Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for “honoring the real India,” indicating pride in the recognition. The award for LK Advani, who played a pivotal role in the controversial ‘rath yatra’ to Ayodhya, closely followed the consecration of the Ram Temple.
Noteworthy is the non-political Bharat Ratna awarded this year to MS Swaminathan, hailed as the ‘father of India’s Green Revolution’ by the Prime Minister, recognizing him as a true farmers’ scientist.