‘Had to take this decision in a short period of time’: Jayant Chaudhary on joining NDA

‘Had to take this decision in a short period of time’: Jayant Chaudhary on joining NDA

Putting an end to days of speculation, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Jayant Chaudhary Monday announced that his party has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Speaking to reporters, Jayant said that there had been no “big planning” behind the decision. “We had to take this decision in a short period of time, considering the situation,” he said.

#WATCH |Delhi: On joining NDA, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary says, “…I took this decision after speaking to all the MLAs and workers of my party. There was no big planning behind this decision, we had to take this decision within a short time because of the situation. We want to… pic.twitter.com/oCokYUX8gA

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024

Jayant made this announcement on the birth anniversary of party founder and his late father Chaudhary Ajit Singh. RLD joining NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year could prove to be game-changing in western Uttar Pradesh.

Though the BJP has the firepower to win western UP without Jayant’s help, having him on its side is more than just winning a few extra constituencies that will push its tally over the 71 bagged in 2014. The RLD’s exit will likely hurt the SP and the INDIA alliance more than it will benefit the BJP. For the ruling party, the gain perhaps will be evaluated more in terms of the psychological blow it will deliver to the Opposition alliance and the Congress before the Lok Sabha elections.

For the latest news from across India, Political updates, Explainers, Sports News, Opinion, Entertainment Updates and more Top News, visit Indian Express. Subscribe to our award-winning Newsletter Download our App here Android & iOS