RLD-BJP Alliance Announcement in a Few Days? Jayant Chaudhary Says 'Will Tell Why I Quit INDIA Bloc'

Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary on Saturday hinted that their tie-up with Bharatiya Janata Party before Lok Sabha elections may happen soon. He added that he also gave reasons why he “quit the INDIA 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…”

The RLD has a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the Jat-dominated region. The BJP wants to leave no stone unturned to maximise the seats in Uttar Pradesh, especially western UP.

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

Earlier, it was reported that the BJP offered four Lok Sabha constituencies, a Union ministry, and two state ministries to the RLD for the switch, which is a major blow to the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.

A senior RLD leader also said that the deal was almost finalised between his party and the BJP and the formal announcement may happen soon.

“The BJP is giving us four seats for the Lok Sabha polls, one Union ministry, and two state ministers in UP. There are some issues on some seats but they will be worked out. One of the seats they are refusing to give us is Muzaffarnagar. That, too, will be worked out,” the leader told The Indian Express.

Last week Jayant Chaudhary said that the possible move to join hands with the BJP was discussed with all the MLAs and there was no planning in it.

“If someone is reporting that, I don’t think they have talked to the MLAs. I talked to MLAs and workers and decided after that. There was no planning, we were forced to decide in a short time due to the circumstances.”

Though Singh and the BJP have made no formal announcement, both sides gave ample hints about the RLD switching from the INDIA bloc to the NDA since February 9, when Charan Singh was named for the highest civilian award.