RLD-BJP alliance eyes electoral sweep in western UP

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and the BJP are set to dominate western Uttar Pradesh as they solidify their alliance ahead of the upcoming elections. Former chief minister and national president of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav extended seven seats to the'RLD's Jayant Chaudhry when party was part of the INDIA bloc.

However, offered two seats, the RLD'decided to join the NDA because Jayant knew that with BJP his party is set to reap a rich political harvest.

This collaboration marks the fourth instance of the two parties joining forces, with Jayant Chaudhary at the helm of the'RLD's charge. The partnership between the'RLD'and the BJP dates back to 1983 when the Lok Dal, under the leadership of Chaudhary Charan Singh, allied with the BJP for the municipal polls in Delhi.

Anil Dubey, the national spokesperson of the'RLD, reiterated the symbiotic nature of the alliance, highlighting their shared history of accomplishments.

The electoral track record of the'RLD'underscores the effectiveness of its partnership with the BJP, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The zenith of this collaboration was witnessed in 2002 when the'RLD'secured its highest seat tally in the UP assembly elections, winning 14 out of 38 seats contested in conjunction with the BJP under Rajnath Singh's leadership.

Despite exploring alliances with various parties, including the Congress, the'RLD's most successful partnerships have consistently been with the BJP. The 2009 Lok Sabha polls exemplify this, with the'RLD'clinching five out of seven seats in alliance with the BJP, further cementing their synergistic bond.

Jayant Chaudhary's decision to rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) amid evolving political dynamics, such as the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya and the Modi government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh, signifies a strategic move aimed at leveraging the'RLD's historical successes.

Formalizing the alliance through a post on social media platform X, Jayant Chaudhary concluded discussions with BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marking the commencement of a new chapter in the enduring partnership between the'RLD'and BJP.

The resurgence of this alliance is poised to reshape the political landscape in UP