The Jat leader claims RLD's alliance with the Congress has given 'clear-cut alternative' to the people of Uttar Pradesh against Mayawati Government
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The RLD is likely to contest around 45 seats in the 403-member UP Assembly in the forthcoming elections. The Party has only 10 MLA’s in the present assembly |
Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh and Chief of Rashtriya Lok Dal, has taken over as India's new Civil Aviation Minister.
The appointment of the 72-year-old Jat leader as Aviation Minister comes at a time when the aviation industry is passing through turbulent times with several airlines facing losses because of high fuel prices and the depreciation of the Indian currency against the Dollar.
The RLD Chief's induction in the Cabinet was preceded by his party's decision to join the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government formally - a conscious move of the Congress to strengthen its support base in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the crucial Assembly polls there.
The Congress, desperate to seek a revival in Uttar Pradesh, has forged alliance with the RLD to capitalise on the unflinching support of the Jats enjoyed by Ajit Singh in Western Uttar Pradesh.
Soon after his swearing-in on December 18, Ajit Singh claimed his alliance with Congress has now provided a "clear-cut alternative" to the people of Uttar Pradesh against the "oppressive" Mayawati government.
"Our mind now is on Uttar Pradesh. People of UP are feeling oppressed with the Mayawati Government but are now getting an alternative… a clear-cut alternative," he told media persons.
Ajit Singh has taken over the charge of Ministry of Civil Aviation, as Cabinet Minister replacing Overseas Indian Affairs Minsiter Vayalar Ravi, who had held additional charge of Aviation ministry. Earlier, he has served as Union Industry Minister (in 1989), Union Food Minister (in 1995) and Union Agriculture Minister (in 2001).
Born on February 12, 1939 at Bhadola, District Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Ajit Singh was first time elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1986 and elected to 9th Lok Sabha in 1989. He did his B.Sc from Lucknow University, B. Tech from IIT Kharagpur and M.S from Illinois Institue of Technology, Chicago (USA).
AABC Political Bureau
