Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary was elected unopposed as the national president of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) on Sunday during the party’s national convention held in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The event, conducted on the historic land of Kosi in Mathura, marked a significant turning point for the party as it reaffirmed its ideological roots, outlined its future roadmap, and consolidated its position within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Chaudhary’s unopposed election was widely anticipated within party ranks, and his elevation marks a generational shift in leadership at a time when the RLD seeks to strengthen its national relevance. The convention brought together party workers, leaders, office-bearers, and hundreds of delegates from across states, reflecting widespread internal consensus and support for Chaudhary’s leadership.

In his address immediately after being declared the party chief, Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the RLD’s unwavering commitment to the NDA. “We stand firmly with the National Democratic Alliance. The prime minister has given me a big responsibility,” he said, underscoring the party’s continued alignment with the ruling bloc. His remarks confirmed that RLD’s alliance with the NDA, which had gained new traction ahead of the last general elections, was not just a political arrangement but a strategic partnership grounded in shared developmental goals.

Taking a direct swipe at the opposition, Chaudhary remarked, “Today, they have a family, but no leaders or policies; so, they are failing.” His comments were seen as an attempt to contrast the RLD’s renewed organizational structure and policy-driven approach with what he described as the fragmented and directionless nature of competing political outfits.

A significant part of his speech was devoted to reiterating the legacy of his grandfather, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, widely revered as a champion of farmers and rural India. Jayant Chaudhary urged party workers to uphold and propagate the policies and values of Charan Singh, who remains a central figure in the RLD’s political and cultural identity. To commemorate the late leader’s 125th birth anniversary, Chaudhary announced that the party will lead a nationwide initiative to plant 1.25 crore saplings. This symbolic gesture, he said, would not only honor Charan Singh’s legacy but also help address broader environmental concerns and reinforce the party’s connection with rural and agrarian communities.

“Talking about villages, farmers, and the poor is the key to RLD’s victory,” Chaudhary said, highlighting the party’s traditional support base and its ongoing effort to align policy priorities with the needs of rural India. His repeated emphasis on farmers’ welfare, agrarian reform, rural infrastructure, and economic justice underscored the party’s intent to reclaim its core ideological space.

Chaudhary also used his address to draw attention to women’s issues and gender equality within the socio-political framework. He urged party leaders to actively support initiatives that empower women and ensure they benefit from reservation measures. “We must cooperate in taking women ahead. Their empowerment is central to our social and political vision,” he said. He assured that women would soon receive the benefits of reservation, signaling the party’s support for expanding women’s representation in governance and public life.

During the convention, the Union minister also made a key local promise: to revive the closed sugar mill in Chhata. The mill, once a crucial economic hub, has been non-operational for years, affecting local farmers and workers. Chaudhary pledged to take all necessary steps to make it functional again, stating that the move would revive economic activity, support sugarcane farmers, and generate employment opportunities in the region.

The convention also featured a series of resolutions reflecting the party’s immediate policy priorities and long-term strategic vision. RLD’s national secretary, Anupam Mishra, delivered a detailed statement outlining the resolutions that were passed unanimously. According to Mishra, the 2025 national convention was “significant for many reasons,” capturing the evolving aspirations of various segments of society.

One of the key resolutions was an economic policy framework centered on farmers. This resolution addressed agricultural reforms, rural credit accessibility, farm income enhancement, procurement mechanisms, and crop insurance. It also advocated for policies that protect farmers from market volatility and ensure sustainable income sources. The resolution reaffirmed RLD’s longstanding commitment to farmer-centric policymaking.

A second resolution focused on social issues, highlighting the needs of youth and women. This included calls for increased educational opportunities, employment generation, skill development, and stronger measures to guarantee women’s safety and socio-economic inclusion. The party emphasized that empowering youth and women is essential to shaping a modern, equitable India.

The political resolution presented at the convention acknowledged India’s rising stature on the global stage. It praised the country’s diplomatic achievements, economic growth trajectory, and increasing influence in international affairs. Mishra emphasized that the RLD recognizes and supports the nation’s broader geopolitical ambitions while remaining steadfast in championing the voices of marginalized communities within India.

“RLD remains steadfastly committed to raising the voice of every section of society — especially the poor, farmers, and labourers,” Mishra said. This reaffirmation positioned the party as both a regional force with deep grassroots connections and a national player aligned with broader developmental agendas.

At present, RLD is an active constituent of the NDA. It has two Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. In the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the party holds nine seats, and it is represented by one member in the state’s Legislative Council. While its numerical strength is modest compared to larger national parties, its influence in western Uttar Pradesh and certain rural belts gives it strategic political leverage.

The convention’s proceedings and outcomes suggest that under Jayant Chaudhary’s leadership, the party hopes to expand its presence, modernize its organizational structure, and strengthen its ideological messaging. His unopposed election signals broad internal support and confidence within the party regarding the direction he seeks to pursue.

In a post shared on X, Chaudhary expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by party workers and leaders. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the workers, office bearers, public representatives, and the people present, for being elected as the national president at the Rashtriya Lok Dal convention held in Kosi, Mathura,” he wrote.

As the RLD embarks on a new chapter under Jayant Chaudhary’s stewardship, the party appears set to deepen its engagement with rural India, extend its support for farmers and women, and build on its alliance with the NDA. With renewed energy and a clear set of priorities, the leadership aims to reassert RLD’s relevance in Uttar Pradesh and across the national political landscape, while staying true to the ideological principles laid down by Charan Singh.