Ajit Singh-led RLD joins NDA

Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) on Monday joined the NDA fold and announced that the 'formidable alliance' would work towards a change in government in the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh.

"With this addition, we are sure to bring an end to the suffering of the common man under the five-year-long UPA rule. It is also a step towards ending the SP and BSP misrule of Uttar Pradesh," senior BJP leader LK Advani said here on Monday.

The joining of RLD with BJP is expected to give the main opposition a major boost in western Uttar Pradesh.

BJP chief Rajnath Singh is a candidate from Ghaziabad in the region for the coming Lok Sabha polls. "With RLD joining us, NDA has become the biggest and the most credible platform for the farmers and other sections of the society. Ajit Singh's joining would further strengthen the pro-people alliance in the country," NDA acting convenor and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said on the occasion.

BJP chief Rajnath Singh said the announcement is a manifestation of the continuous expanding base of the NDA. "This occasion is significant. It is a clear sign of continuous increase in popularity of the NDA alliance with the people," Singh said.

Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister and socialist leader Charan Singh, said the day would mark a 'parivartan' (change) in the politics of Uttar Pradesh and the country. Both RLD and BJP, however, chose not to reveal the seat-sharing formula. "There is still time to announce the seat-sharing," Rajnath Singh said.