RLD Officially Joins Ruling NDA Alliance, Ditches INDIA Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

In yet another blow to the INDI alliance, Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal, on Saturday, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Taking to X, BJP National President JP Nadda said, “Today, in the presence of Honorable Home Minister Shri @amitshah ji, there was a meeting with the President of @RLDparty @jayantrld ji. I heartily welcome his decision to join the NDA family. Under the leadership of respected @narendramodi ji, you will make an important contribution in the journey of developed India and the development of Uttar Pradesh. This time NDA crosses 400!”

Meanwhile, Chaudhary also took to the microblogging site and wrote, “Under the leadership of Shri @narendramodi ji, India is becoming a parallel witness to development and poor welfare! Met Mr. @AmitShah ji and Mr. @JPNadda ji and decided to join #NDA. NDA is ready to fulfill the resolve of developed India and the slogan of crossing 400 this time!”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X to welcome RLD into NDA. He said, “I welcome Rashtriya Lok Dal President Shri @jayantrld ji to the NDA family. Expressing confidence in the policies of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, his joining NDA will further strengthen our resolve for the upliftment of farmers, poor and deprived classes. NDA is committed to cross 400 in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and build a developed India in the Amrit Kaal.”

This comes weeks after Chaudhary hinted at the tie-up with the saffron party and reasoned as to why he would “quit the INDI alliance”.

“When the official announcement happens (of Lok Sabha elections) then I will speak about why I quit (INDIA alliance) and what are our thoughts for the future and what we want to do for our people…” he had said.

The RLD has a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, more so in the Jat-dominated region. With this, the BJP has again highlighted that no chance will be left to maximise its seats in the state.

Earlier today, the saffron party released its first list of 195 candidates for the general elections, which are expected to be held in April-May, however the Election Commission has not made an official announcement yet.

Apart from the Jat issue, Chaudhary can also help the party negate the impact of the farmers’ protest and the wrestlers’ agitation.

Both the sides had given ample hints about the RLD switching from the INDIA bloc to the NDA since February 9, when Chaudhary’s grandfather, Charan Singh was named for the highest civilian award — Bharat Ratna.

On February 9, Jayant Chaudhary-led RLD also confirmed its alliance with he BJP in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing agreement, the RLD will contest two Lok Sabha seats Baghpat and Bijnor.

Chaudhary, while addressing a press conference, had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands the pulse of the nation.

He had said, “Modi Ji’s vision did what any other party could not do, till now,” adding that, “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.”