Jayant Chaudhary's RLD joins BJP-led NDA

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) formally joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Saturday, weeks after RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary confirmed he would tie-up with NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
The RLD chief also met BJP national president JP Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah.
"Today, in the presence of Honorable home minister Amit Shah ji, there was a meeting with the president of RLD Jayant Chaudhary ji.I heartily welcome his decision to join the NDA family", Nadda wrote on X (formally Twitter).

Chaudhary had said that his party would join the NDA, asserting that the decision was unanimous.
"I took this decision after speaking to all MLAs and workers of my party. There was no big planning behind this decision, or had we decided this a long time ago. We had to take this decision within a short time because of the situation. We want to do something good for the country, for our people," Chaudhary had told reporters.
Jayant Chaudhary had said the consultations with MLAs and workers took place after his grandfather Chaudhary Charan Singh was bestowed Bharat Ratna.
Bonhomie between the BJP and the RLD became reasonably apparent after Jayant Chaudhary reacted to his late grandfather being given the highest civilian honour.
Following the Bharat Ratna announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jayant Chaudhary welcomed him, saying 'Dil Jeet Liya' on X.
Stating that PM Modi had won the hearts of all the followers of Choudhary Charan Singh, Jayant had said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a decision which no other government in the past could take. This great honour to Choudhary Charan Singh has become possible due to the vision and efforts of Prime Minister Modi. I thank him."
Later, when asked about the possibility of him joining hands with the BJP, he had said: "How can I say no to your question today."