Former Union Minister Ajit Singh, who had once planned to merge his Rashtriya lok Dal (RlD) with Janata Dal (United) but backed out under some internal pressure, has expressed his desire for the unity among like minded parties having faith in the philosophies of lohia and Charan Singh before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election early next year. He particularly mentioned the JD(U) and its president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and praised his “good governance.”
The RlD chief Singh, in a statement issued on Saturday, said it was the need of the hour that the parties having faith in the leadership and philosophies of Ram Manohar lohia and Chaudhary Charan Singh should come together burying their differences and provide a strong platform to fight for the rights of the minorities, farmers and backwards.
Meanwhile, Nitish responded positively while welcoming Singh’s statement. He said, “The principles and policies of RlD and JD(U) are based on the philosophies of those great souls and practically our party is closer to yours. I am confident that we will be able to take forward the efforts of possible unity among such parties, electoral alliance and understanding and common platform.” Nitish’s statement was released by senior JD(U) leader and spokesman KC Tyagi.
Recalling his association with Charan Singh, Nitish said he was highly impressed with his style of functioning and thoughts and tried to incorporate them while making various policies for the welfare of downtrodden, Dalits and farmers.
The JD(U) is making all out efforts to expand its base in UP and Nitish himself has addressed over half a dozen party workers meetings in the poll bound State. His party is also trying to forge electoral understanding with a number of smaller parties active in different parts of UP.
A few months back there had been talks between Ajit Singh and leaders of JD(U) including Nitish and there had been reports that RlD might merge with JD(U). It was reported that Singh in lieu had demanded a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar for himself which Nitish declined. The RlD chief backed out from his decision of merger and decided to fight alone. There were also speculations that Singh was in touch with some top BJP leaders for some understanding but it too could not materialize.
Only a couple of days back Ajit Singh had declared that RlD would go it alone and he had not spoken to the leader of any party for electoral agreement. He also declared that his son Jayant Chaudhary would be face of the party in the forthcoming Assembly polls. The Saturday statement of Singh is seen as an after thought in view of his shrunk vote base. The party could not win a single seat in 2014 lok Sabha polls.