Bharat Ratna To Four Politicians: PM Modi’s Political Maneuvering Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
In a calculated move ahead of the upcoming general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi”s government has honored four prominent politicians with the Bharat Ratna, India”s highest civilian award recently. The recent recipients include Chaudhary Charan Singh, revered as a champion of farmers” rights and a prominent Jatt leader; Narasimha Rao, former Indian Prime Minister and Congress leader; LK Advani, former Deputy Prime Minister and Hindutva hero; and Karpoori Thakur, former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar and was known for his efforts to promote social justice and uplift the marginalized sections of society. Apart from these politicians, agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, renowned for his pivotal role in the Green Revolution, was also on the list of the awardees.
This strategic recognition of political figures from diverse backgrounds is seen as a shrewd attempt to appeal to various segments of society and consolidate electoral support.
Additionally, the timing of these honours coincides with significant political developments, such as the anticipated alliance between Jayant Chaudhary, grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh, and the BJP. Similarly, Nitish Kumar”s alignment with the government following the recognition of his mentor, Karpoori Thakur, adds another layer of intrigue to the political landscape.
Statements coming after the announcement from the RLD circles is evident on how the move is going to benefit BJP and its alliance in western UP, and also in parts of Haryana and Rajasthan where Jatt votes are significant.
“What previous governments could not do till today has been completed by PM Modi”s vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi”s govt for encouraging the people who aren”t part of the mainstream…,” grandson and RLD leader Jayant Choudhary was seen saying in a video posted by news agency ANI. According to reports, RLD, a former constituent of UPA and current member of Opposition alliance INDIA.
He has also said this is a big day and an emotional moment for him and thanked the President, the government and PM Modi for the decision and said the sentiments of the people are connected with this decision.
#WATCH | RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, “What previous governments could not do till today has been completed by PM Modi”s vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi”s govt for encouraging the people who aren”t part of the mainstream…” pic.twitter.com/SydlLmBRzO
— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024
With awarding Narasimha Rao with the Bharat Ratna, the ruling dispensation aiming to score well in Telugu heartland, from where Mr Rao belongs to. Apart from this, when the campaign for the Lok Saba elections gets its momentum, as happened in the past, the NDA leaders will be using it as a card to criticise Congress party, calling out the grand old party for not recognising Mr Rao’s ‘achievements’.
And this has already started:
BJP leader and Rao”s grandson NV Subhash, right after the government announced their decision on Bharat Ratna for Narasimha Rao blamed the UPA government, especially the Gandhi family. “The Gandhi family was very instrumental in making Narasimha Rao a scapeboard for the failures of the Congress party…it”s an honour for us that at this point of time, at this crucial juncture where Narendra Modi has become the national leader and as the leader of the whole world where he has been constantly recognizing whether it is Bharat Ratna or Padma Vibhushan or including the Bharat Ratna, it is,” he added.
#WATCH | BJP leader & grandson of Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, NV Subhash says, “PM Modi has conferred PV Narasimha Rao though he belongs to the Congress party. Now, I blame the UPA government especially the Gandhi family from 2004 to 2014 when the UPA government was… pic.twitter.com/rSE0lyCRKA
— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024
The NDA will be making, again they have already started, Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur as well an election ploy in Bihar.
As the nation gears up for the electoral battle, PM Modi”s political maneuvering and strategic recognition of key figures underscore his efforts to broaden National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s appeal and secure electoral gains.
