As preparations for the 2025 Uttar Pradesh three-tier panchayat elections gain momentum, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has made a surprising announcement to contest the elections independently. This decision, taken during RLD’s election committee meeting in Meerut, has caused a stir within the BJP, prompting its leadership to plan talks with RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary to maintain the alliance.
RLD’s national spokesperson, Dr. Kuldeep Ujjwal, stated post-meeting that panchayat elections are driven by rural voters, and the party aims to fight independently to strongly represent the interests of the Jat community. This move marks a shift for RLD, which had allied with BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections, securing victories in Baghpat and Bijnor constituencies.
The announcement has created unease within the BJP, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, where RLD holds significant influence among the Jat-dominated electorate. A solo run by RLD could dent BJP’s prospects in these regions. Sources indicate that BJP leaders are preparing to meet Jayant Chaudhary soon to negotiate seat-sharing and candidate selection to preserve the alliance.
This development comes as the State Election Commission finalizes plans for the panchayat elections, though official dates are yet to be announced. RLD’s decision is seen as a strategic move to assert its independent identity, but it raises questions about the unity of the NDA coalition in Uttar Pradesh.
