After JDU, Rashtriya Lok Dal joins BJP-led NDA ahead of Lok Sabha elections

After a lot of buzz and in another jolt to the INDIA bloc, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA, the saffron party on Saturday confirmed.

On February 7, ET had reported that the BJP is eyeing another INDIA bloc ally and is believed to have opened a channel with RLD.

Taking to social media platform X, Union Minister Amit Shah welcomed RLD supremo Jayant Chaudhary to the NDA.


"I welcome Rashtriya Lok Dal President Shri Jayant Chaudhary ji to the NDA family. Expressing confidence in the policies of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi 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," Shah said.


RLD has pockets of influence in western Uttar Pradesh, especially among Jat voters. In 2022 assembly polls, it partnered with Samajwadi Party, contested 33 seats and won nine. However, in 2009 Lok Sabha elections, RLD could not open its account.

Chaudhary, too, reiterated the saffron party's notion of securing 400 seats in the upcoming General elections.