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In a significant political development, Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has officially joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. While Chaudhary had previously confirmed the alliance last month, the formal announcement took place during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda in the national capital.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision, Chaudhary expressed confidence in the NDA’s commitment to achieving a substantial victory by crossing the 400-seat mark. He highlighted the transformative developments and welfare initiatives under PM Modi’s guidance.
Chaudhary, in his official statement, stated, “Under the leadership of Shri @narendramodi ji, India is becoming a parallel witness to development and poor welfare! Met @AmitShah ji and @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.”
Amit Shah, welcoming Chaudhary into the NDA family, expressed confidence that the RLD chief’s addition would further strengthen the government’s commitment to uplifting farmers, the poor, and deprived classes. Shah reiterated the NDA’s goal to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, aiming to shape a developed India in the Amrit Kaal.
Chaudhary had confirmed the alliance with the NDA on February 12, making RLD the second party to exit the Opposition’s grand alliance after Nitish Kumar-led JDU in Bihar. This move dealt a significant blow to the Opposition’s unity and its hopes of challenging the BJP at the national level in the upcoming elections.
Speculations regarding Chaudhary’s departure from the grand alliance gained traction after the Centre announced the prestigious Bharat Ratna for his grandfather, Chaudhary Charan Singh, a renowned farmers’ champion. Chaudhary’s praise for the government’s decision and his acknowledgment of a ‘rooted government’ reflected the alignment of his party’s interests with the NDA.
In a notable endorsement, Chaudhary equated the government’s style of work to that of his grandfather, Chaudhary Charan Singh, stating that the decisions made, including the Bharat Ratna announcement, were aimed at strengthening the position of farmers. Drawing parallels between the government’s initiatives and his grandfather’s principles, Chaudhary expressed admiration for the government’s focus on issues such as sanitation, women empowerment, and rural awareness.
