BSP leader joins RLD, party says part of ‘expansion’ bid
The joining of Shah is part of the RLD’s strategy to expand its footprint beyond western UP – where the party is considered influential among the Jat community.
2 min read
Jayant ChaudharyBAHUJAN SAMAJ Party (BSP) leader Izhar Ahmed Shah on Wednesday joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in the presence of party president and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary.
Shah’s family has been active in politics in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich and Devipatan division for decades. “Izhar Ahmed Shah has been active in politics since 2006 and has also contested Assembly elections on the BSP symbol,” said RLD national secretary Anupam Mishra after Shah’s joining.
The joining of Shah is part of the RLD’s strategy to expand its footprint beyond western UP – where the party is considered influential among the Jat community. “We will build our organisation of the party in eastern and central UP too,” said Mishra.
“Shah’s joining will help us in reaching out to the Dalit and Muslim communities. We have made up our mind to get rid of the tag that our party is restricted to western UP. We will strengthen our party structure in eastern and central UP,” said Mishra.
In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the RLD as part of the BJP-led NDA contested two seats – Bijnor and Baghpat – and won both. Party chief
Jayant has recently taken charge as Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and as Minister of State (Education).
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