As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its initial list of 195 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) received a significant boost with the formal inclusion of Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) into its fold. Formerly aligned with the opposition INDIA alliance, the Uttar Pradesh-based RLD had been signaling its intent to switch sides for some time.
Sharing snapshots of his meeting with Jayant Chaudhary and Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda expressed his hearty welcome to Chaudhary’s decision to join the NDA. Speaking in Hindi, Nadda stated, “I met RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary in the presence of Amit Shah. I heartily welcome his decision to join the NDA family. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, you will make an important contribution to the journey towards a developed India and the development of Uttar Pradesh.”
आज माननीय गृहमंत्री श्री @amitshah जी की उपस्थिति में @RLDparty के अध्यक्ष @jayantrld जी से मुलाक़ात हुई। मैं उनके एनडीए परिवार में शामिल होने के निर्णय का हृदय से स्वागत करता हूँ। आदरणीय @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में विकसित भारत की यात्रा और उत्तर प्रदेश के विकास में आप… pic.twitter.com/3cJtQ9sS03
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (Modi Ka Parivar) (@JPNadda) March 2, 2024
Also Read: BJP Prepares for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: First List of Candidates Expected Soon
Speculations about a potential alliance between the BJP and the RLD had been circulating, gaining momentum particularly after the announcement of the Bharat Ratna for Mr. Chaudhary’s grandfather and former Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, on February 9th. Welcoming the honor, the RLD chief expressed his sentiment, writing, “Dil jeet liya mera (They have won my heart).”
Responding to reporters’ queries regarding a possible alliance with the BJP, Mr. Chaudhary remarked, “Is there anything left? How can I refuse?” Three days later, he hinted that the deal with the BJP had been finalized, with a formal announcement expected shortly. Addressing concerns that some members of his party were displeased with the decision, Chaudhary reassured that he had consulted with everyone and made the decision in the best interest of the people of Uttar Pradesh.
