In ‘exploratory’ move, RLD chief meets Chandrashekhar Azad

In a tweet, Chaudhary Jayant Singh says he enjoyed ‘wide-ranging discussion’ with ASP chief

In a significant move that could have socio-political ramifications in western Uttar Pradesh, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) president Chaudhary Jayant Singh met Azad Samaj Party (ASP) chief Chandrashekhar Azad in Delhi on Wednesday.

In a tweet, Mr. Singh said he enjoyed a "wide-ranging discussion" with Mr. Azad. “He expressed the pain of the bereaved family of Jitendra Meghwal from Pali, Rajasthan, and we discussed issues related to youth empowerment and social justice,” he stated.

Meghwal, a Dalit, was allegedly killed by two upper caste men purportedly for keeping a moustache.

Interestingly, RLD supports the Congress government in Rajasthan. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Singh said the party would raise the issue with the government. “The arrests have been made in the case but the family has some concerns which need to be addressed. Our State president will visit the family,” he remarked.

He described the meet as “exploratory” but ASP sources said the two sides admitted that a good opportunity was lost by not aligning for the Assembly polls. “Had the ASP been part of the alliance, a large chunk of the BSP vote could have shifted towards the alliance,” said ASP spokesperson Virendra Shirish, who was present during the meeting.

The meeting has come after RLD State president Masood Ahmed mentioned in the resignation note that the alliance suffered because Mr. Azad was not given due respect. Mr. Azad emerged as a force in west U.P. when he formed a social group called the Bhim Army to counter Dalit atrocities in villages. He later formed the ASP, which did well in Dalit pockets in the panchayat polls.

RLD sources said Mr. Azad was offered the Rampur Maniharan (reserved) seat but he refused. The BJP won the seat defeating the BSP candidate. The RLD finished a close third.