MC EXCLUSIVE Jayant Chaudhary clears the air: RLD to contest 2027 UP polls with BJP, lauds Yogi’s governance

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a ceremony in Baghpat - File Photo

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has confirmed that his party will remain firmly allied with the BJP in the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, putting to rest speculation about a possible realignment or return to former allies.

“There is no question of us not contesting with BJP in the UP state election,” Chaudhary said emphatically in an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, underscoring that the RLD is now an integral part of the state's governance architecture, with representation in the cabinet.

“We are part of the state government and we have a cabinet minister. So, in that sense, we are sharing the responsibility for the development of the state,” he added.

He also pointed to recent examples of efficient governance under BJP rule in UP, praising initiatives like the recent large-scale police recruitment drive conducted, and the Kayakalp scheme, which he claims has significantly improved infrastructure in government schools. “These are all progressive steps in the right direction,” he said, calling them indicators of effective coordination between the RLD and BJP in delivering results on the ground.

Asked about the perceived ideological friction with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, particularly on issues that affect the Muslim community, Chaudhary offered a measured yet supportive response.

“My stand is quite well known… Even if you are related as a family member, there will be points of convergence and points of divergence,” he said. He acknowledged differences in style and worldview, but made it clear that he respects the Chief Minister’s leadership and that both leaders are committed to a shared goal of development.

On sensitive issues such as the Meerut police directive banning prayers on roads, Chaudhary expressed concern over the tone of communication, saying, “People sitting in administration must be very, very sensitive. They must be for everyone, and equality and access must come through in our action, in our communication.”

The news was about the Meerut Police’s warning that anyone found praying on the streets will be booked, potentially arrested, and face cancellation of their passports, and driving licenses.

While agreeing that law and order must be maintained, he criticised the harshness of the language used. “The tonality of that directive—that they will take away your passport—that was incorrect. A better, more nuanced approach would have been to involve community leaders and find alternative solutions through dialogue,” he said.

The news was about the Meerut Police’s warning that anyone found praying on the streets will be booked, potentially arrested, and face cancellation of their passports, and driving licenses.

He also took aim at divisive political rhetoric, calling a BJP MLA’s suggestion for a separate Muslim wing in a medical college “outrageous.” He added: “There’s also a term in politics—‘Chhapaas Rog’—say something, get printed, and enter public debate. But we must follow the path laid down by our forefathers, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and even our Prime Minister, whose guiding slogan is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Jayant Chaudhary had earlier taken a strong stand for minorities during the anti-CAA protests. In December 2019, he visited the family of a Muslim man killed in the Muzaffarnagar protests. His outreach efforts helped bring several local leaders from the SP, BSP, and Congress into the RLD ahead of the 2022 UP elections.