Uttar Pradesh: After ongoing turmoil in Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, speculations around Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary crossing over from the Opposition ranks to the BJP, are elevating. However, Chaudhary on Monday cleared the air amid rumours that he is cosying up to the saffron party. The rumours came to light, when Union minister Ramdas Athawale hinted that a similar situation can occur in Uttar Pradesh as Jayant Chaudhary did not attend the Patna opposition meeting.
When asked about Athawale's remarks, "My stand is absolutely clear. How does it matter what they say?" the RLD leader told reporters. Citing preoccupation with a family event, Chaudhary skipped the opposition leaders' meeting in Patna on June 23. His party fought the 2022 UP Assembly polls in alliance with the Samajwadi Party.
RLD chief on opposition leader's meeting
While speaking to the reporters, the RLD chief said that he "will attend the next meeting of the opposition leaders". Speaking on the Maharashtra politics, he said, "See, this is not an issue. Such things happen. This is not happening for the first time in politics.
"The public will deliver its verdict in 2024. The public is not a key in anyone's hands. It will deliver the mandate."
What Ramdas Athawale had said?
Union minister Ramdas Athawale earlier had said, "Maharashtra-like situation may erupt in Bihar and UP as many MLAs are unhappy with Nitish Kumar joining hands with RJD. Similarly in UP, Jayant Chaudhary can join the NDA, as he did not attend the Patna opposition meeting."
Ajit Pawar led to a vertical split in NCP
Earlier on Sunday (July 02), former NCP leader Ajit Pawar walked up to his doors by ditching his uncle and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar that led a vertical split in the Nationalist Congress Party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-BJP government. Along with Ajit Pawar, eight other NCP leaders were also sworn in.
