Well-thought-out: RLD chief on going with NDA

New Delhi, February 12

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Singh on Monday said the decision to go with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was taken following consultations with his party MLAs and workers after the Bharat Ratna was announced for his grandfather, the late Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Asked if party MLAs were upset with the RLD joining the NDA, Singh said, “I talked to MLAs and workers and made a decision after that. We were forced to make a decision in a short time due to the circumstances.”

“We have good intentions for our people and country. When the Bharat Ratna has been given we are very happy. It is not limited to our family or party. It is an honour for every farmer, youth, poor,” Singh said on the sidelines of an event to mark the birth anniversary of his father Ajit Singh.

Asked when he would announce his alliance with the BJP, he evaded a direct reply, and said, “Today is a momentous occasion, we are celebrating”. — PTI

No formal announcement

The RLD and the BJP have made no formal announcement, but both sides gave ample hints about the former switching over to the NDA since February 9, when the Bharat Ratna was announced for the late CM Charan Singh