New Delhi: The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), a key Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally in Uttar Pradesh, has relinquished its bid to contest seats in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The decision is attributed to pressure from the BJP to maintain the power dynamics within the alliance in the upcoming state polls.
The RLD, whose base lies in the Jat-dominated regions of Western Uttar Pradesh, had sought to expand its presence in Haryana, hoping to capitalise on the significant Jat and agricultural communities there. However, the BJP, which emerged victorious in the last assembly elections in Haryana with 40 out of 90 seats, was not keen on sharing any ground, according to the sources quoted by The Times of India.
According to the TOI reports, experts suggest that the BJP’s strategy is to maintain control over its allies, keeping them in a subordinate role during key elections.
However, the RLD’s decision to contest at least 10 seats in Jammu and Kashmir suggests a different approach. This move is viewed as a means to maintain the party’s electoral identity and assert its independence, particularly in states where it does not have an existing alliance with the BJP.
While the party’s alliance with the BJP remains strong in UP, the RLD is also exploring opportunities in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The party’s intensified discussions with the BJP for these elections and the recent campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir signify the RLD’s ambition to expand its presence beyond its traditional stronghold, ensuring its continued relevance in the Indian political landscape.
Speaking about the RLD _BJP alliance, RLD national general secretary (organisation) Trilok Tyagi told TOI that the their alliance with BJP is mainly confined to UP. “In other states, we are making decisions after considering our electoral requirements. Nevertheless, we need to strategise jointly and in cohesion with our alliance partners,” TOI quoted Tyagi as saying.
