Buoyed by their recent success in the Lok Sabha elections, the Jayant Chaudhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is ambitiously planning to expand its influence beyond its traditional stronghold in Western Uttar Pradesh to other parts of the state, as well as to Rajasthan and Haryana.
After a decade without representation in the Lok Sabha, the RLD achieved a significant milestone by securing two parliamentary seats in the recent elections, with victories in Baghpat and Bijnor. Jayant Chaudhary, the party’s leader, has been appointed as a Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Narendra Modi government, further elevating the party’s profile.
The RLD now aims to capitalise on its established Jat vote bank by targeting Jat-dominant regions in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Rajasthan. This strategic move is particularly timely, as Haryana is set to hold Assembly polls later this year, presenting an opportunity for the RLD to extend its political footprint.
Historically, the RLD has been largely confined to Western Uttar Pradesh. Even during its peak in the early 2000s, the party struggled to extend its reach beyond this region. However, the recent electoral success has infused new energy into the party, prompting it to pursue a broader geographic expansion.
By focusing on Jat-dominant areas in Rajasthan and Haryana, the RLD hopes to replicate its recent successes and build a more substantial political base across a wider area. This expansion effort reflects the party’s ambition to transform from a regional player into a more influential force in North Indian politics.
RLD national secretary Anupam Mishra has announced plans to extend the party’s reach within Uttar Pradesh. “We will build our party organisation in eastern and central UP as well,” Mishra stated.
This statement follows the recent induction of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Izhar Ahmed Shah into the RLD. Shah, who has been active in the Bahraich and Devipatan divisions for decades, brings significant experience and influence. “Shah’s joining will help us reach out to the Dalit and Muslim communities. We are determined to shed the tag of being confined to western UP,” said Mishra.
RLD sources reveal that Jayant Chaudhary has called a meeting of party functionaries, and starting next month, efforts to expand the party’s presence into neighbouring states will commence.
Chaudhary emphasised his commitment to the party’s growth, stating that as a Union Minister, it is his responsibility to expand the party. RLD’s national general secretary Trilok Tyagi echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the party’s strategic goals of broadening its footprint and strengthening its influence in North Indian politics.
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