In a new attempt to form a viable third force in politically bipolar political state, the Raksha Morcha (URM)  announced its merger with Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) on Friday.

Formal announcement of the merger was made by the URM leader and former IAS officer Surendra Singh Pangti in presence of top leadership of UKD. Speaking on the occasion, Pangti said that only a regional party can ensure development of the State.

He said that in last 19 years BJP and Congress have taken turns to loot the state and the time is opportune for the UKD to provide alternative to these parties.

Senior leader of URM, P C Thapliyal said that the UKD should be strengthened and all the non BJP non Congress forces are needed to be brought under one platform.

Appreciating the URM leadership for taking the decision of merger, UKD leader, Kashi Singh Airi said that inclusion of leaders of Pangti and Thapliyal would strengthen UKD. 

He claimed that people are waiting to teach both BJP and Congress lesson for ignoring development of the state and said that given the huge public support it is receiving, UKD would form government in the next assembly elections.

President of the UKD, Diwakar Bhatt said that the party is ready to provide third alternative to the people of the state.

It is worth mentioning here that URM was formed by leaders like former MP, Lieutenant General (Retd) T P S Rawat, Dr V K Bahuguna and others in the year 2012.

The party however was rejected vehemently in successive elections by the people of the state.

In last few years most of the leaders of the party have either left it or have joined mainstream political parties.Meanwhile, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Pritam Singh has termed the decision of URM to merge it with UKD as insignificant.

He said that URM is a defunct party and UKD has lost its relevance and support of the people.