Rashtriya Lok Dal: A Regional Force in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), meaning National People's Party, is a regional political party primarily active in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Founded in 1996 by Chaudhary Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, the RLD emerged as a splinter group from the Janata Dal. Its formation was rooted in Ajit Singh's efforts to consolidate the Jat community's political influence in the region. The party's ideology centers on agrarian interests and the welfare of farmers, advocating for policies that improve rural livelihoods and address agricultural concerns. Key policy positions include promoting farmer's rights, ensuring fair crop prices, and improving rural infrastructure. Chaudhary Ajit Singh, and later his son Jayant Chaudhary, have served as prominent leaders, shaping the party's direction and electoral strategies. Recent electoral performances have been mixed, with the RLD experiencing periods of both success and setbacks in the fiercely contested political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. The party has often forged alliances with other political forces to enhance its electoral prospects. While the RLD has secured some notable achievements in advocating for farmers' rights at the state level, it has yet to achieve major national prominence. Information regarding specific controversies or legal issues involving the RLD is unavailable. The RLD's core principles remain focused on representing the interests of farmers and rural communities. Its historical impact is primarily felt within the regional political sphere of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, although its broader national significance remains limited. The party's current standing reflects its continuing efforts to navigate the complex dynamics of state-level politics.