RLD Nearing BJP-Led NDA Alliance: What’s on Offer in Exchange? A Setback for Akhilesh Yadav

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As negotiations stall between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) regarding seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh, indications suggest that the RLD is gravitating towards joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the near future, according to sources within the party speaking to The Indian Express on Thursday. The BJP, insiders revealed, has proposed offering four Lok Sabha constituencies, a Union ministry, and two state ministries to seal the alliance.

Should the RLD align with the BJP, it would deal a significant blow to the Opposition INDIA alliance in UP, particularly as the Congress and SP also grapple with reconciling differences over seat allocation. A senior RLD leader disclosed, “Negotiations with the BJP are in the final stages. An official announcement is imminent, possibly within the next day or two.”

Detailing the proposed arrangement, another RLD leader outlined, “The BJP has agreed to allocate four Lok Sabha seats, one Union ministry, and two state ministries in UP. While there are some lingering concerns over certain constituencies, these issues are expected to be resolved. One contentious seat is Muzaffarnagar, but we are optimistic about finding a resolution.” Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan has represented Muzaffarnagar in the Lok Sabha since 2014.

The potential departure of the RLD from the INDIA alliance would further weaken the already beleaguered coalition in UP. Last month, SP president Akhilesh Yadav had announced the allocation of seven constituencies to the RLD as part of the seat-sharing agreement, but uncertainty loomed due to ambiguity surrounding the specific constituencies.

Under the proposed arrangement, the RLD would secure Baghpat, Kairana, Mathura, Hathras, and Fatehpur Sikri, while negotiations continued for Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bijnor, and Amroha. Disputes arose, particularly regarding Kairana, where the SP sought to field Iqra Hasan, sister of SP MLA Nahid Hasan, on their symbol.

When questioned about the future of the SP-RLD partnership, Akhilesh Yadav refrained from offering a definitive response during a media interaction in Varanasi on Thursday. Instead, he criticized the BJP’s tactics, alleging manipulation and coercion in political dealings.

Amidst reports of RLD leaders engaging with BJP officials, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary has maintained a conspicuous silence, leaving political observers speculating about the impending political realignment in the state.

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