Major Setback To RLD As Shahid Siddiqui Resigns From Party Ahead Of LS Polls

In his resignation letter addressed to RLD Chief Jayant Choudhary, Siddiqui stated that he has taken this decision as he was "unable to be associated with an alliance headed by the BJP."

Shahid Siddiqui.

Source : X/@shahid_siddiqui

National Vice President of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Shahid Siddiqui on Monday resigned from the party ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In his resignation letter addressed to RLD Chief Jayant Choudhary, Siddiqui stated that he has taken this decision as he was "unable to be associated with an alliance headed by the BJP."

Alluding to Choudhary's decision to get in alliance with NDA, Siddiqui stated: "I am aware of your political compulsions and am not in a position to advise you otherwise. But speaking for myself I am constrained to withdraw myself from this ongoing campaign, as indeed from the RLD."

Respected Jayantji,

We have worked together for 6 long years and have respect for each other. I, for one, look upon you more as a younger brother than a colleague. We have stood shoulder to shoulder on significant issues and at creating an atmosphere of brotherhood and respect…

— shahid siddiqui (@shahid_siddiqui) April 1, 2024

“Today, when India's Constitution and democratic structure are in danger, remaining silent is a sin. I am grateful to Jayant ji but with a heavy heart I am forced to distance myself from RLD,” he added.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) recently announced its decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and unveiled its candidates for two seats in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Previously, in the 2014 Parliamentary polls, the RLD contested in alliance with the Congress, and in 2019, it formed an alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Following this development, Siddiqui took to social media and expressed his appreciation for his longstanding association with Jayant Chaudhary and lauded the RLD chief's unwavering commitment to secularism and constitutional values.