RLD national vice president resigns over party's BJP alliance
What's the story
National Vice President of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Shahid Siddiqui has resigned from his position in protest against the party's decision to enter into an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Announcing his exit on X (formerly Twitter), Siddiqui said, "Today, when India's Constitution...democratic structure are in danger, remaining silent is a sin. I am grateful to [party chief] Jayant [Chaudhary] ji but...I am forced to distance myself from RLD."
Alliance shift
RLD's shift in political alliances
The RLD recently joined heads with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), announcing its candidates for two Uttar Pradesh seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This marks a significant shift from past the party's past alliances—in 2014 the RLD allied with the Congress and in 2019, it partnered with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Twitter Post
Read Siddiqui's post here
Respected Jayantji,
— shahid siddiqui (@shahid_siddiqui) April 1, 2024
We have worked together for 6 long years and have respect for each other. I, for one, look upon you more as a younger brother than a colleague. We have stood shoulder to shoulder on significant issues and at creating an atmosphere of brotherhood and respect…
Gaurav Samman rally
RLD chief credits PM Modi for recognizing his grandfather's contribution
Separately on Sunday, the RLD chief expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for posthumously conferring the "Bharat Ratna" upon his grandfather, Chaudhary Charan Singh. Addressing a "Gaurav Samman" rally held to kickstart the NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign, Chaudhary urged the RLD and alliance leaders to dedicate themselves to the success of all NDA candidates. He expressed hope that the alliance would achieve its target of 400 seats by winning all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh.
Statement
Bharat Ratna paved way for alliance: Chaudhary
In February, Chaudhary formally announced that the RLD would exit the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance and join hands with the NDA. He had stated that the "Bharat Ratna" awarded to Charan Singh paved the way for his decision. "After the Bharat Ratna honor, we are happy. This award is not limited to my family or our party; it is an honor to all the famers, the youth and the poor in our country," he had said.