RLD's UP chief quits, cites corruption and party's silence on student stir
Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) state president in Uttar Pradesh, Ramashish Rai, on Friday resigned from the party, citing ideological and moral reasons. In a letter to party national president and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education Jayant Chaudhary, Mr. Rai said democracy in the country was being "usurped by the financially powerful and influential sections," and that society was being divided on caste and religious lines for electoral gains.
The former state chief also said that the party, known for taking clear positions on matters of public interest, had stopped intervening on core issues. Speaking to The Hindu in Lucknow, Mr. Rai said, "The RLD is the party formed by late former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji. Our leader Ajit Singh Ji used to take a clear stand for farmers and youth, even if it meant going against the wind. But we were silent on the burning issue of students and youth during the recent protests. It was never the RLD way of politics. I was pained."
Mr. Rai, who said he came to social service during the anti-emergency movement, added that his "inner voice" forced him to take the decision "in the wider interest of society and Indian democracy." He also noted that matters of public good such as education and employment were being neglected.
Asked about his future political moves, Mr. Rai said any decision would be taken after consulting supporters and well-wishers. "The main concern is to save the democratic and socialist fabric of our country," he said.
The RLD, led by Jayant Chaudhary, is the largest alliance partner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party won two seats and has one Rajya Sabha MP. In the 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly, the RLD has nine MLAs and one MLC in the Legislative Council.
The resignation comes amid ongoing protests by students and youth, which Mr. Rai said the RLD failed to address. The party's traditional support base has been among farmers and the Jat community, and its silence on recent issues marks a departure from its historical stance, he indicated.
Political observers note that Mr. Rai's resignation could have implications for the RLD's position in the state, though the party has not yet responded formally. The BJP-led NDA, which relies on allies like the RLD in Uttar Pradesh, has also not issued any statement on the development.
