In a surprising turn of events, Shahid Siddiqui, the vice president of Rashtriya Lok Dal, declared his resignation from both his position within the party and his primary membership. Citing concerns over the integrity of the Constitution and the democratic framework, Siddiqui emphasized the gravity of remaining silent in the face of such threats.

This decision follows closely on the heels of RLD’s recent alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “Yesterday, I tendered my resignation from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and relinquished my role as national vice president to Jayant Singh, the national president,” Siddiqui announced. “At a time when India’s fundamental principles are at risk, staying silent amounts to complicity.”

Expressing gratitude towards Jayant ji while lamenting his departure from RLD, Siddiqui underscored the significance of safeguarding India’s unity, development, and communal harmony. “Protecting our nation’s core values is a duty we all share,” he stressed.

Addressing the timing of his decision, Siddiqui elaborated in a subsequent statement, revealing that he delayed his resignation out of respect for the Bharat Ratna conferred upon Chaudhry Charan Singh Ji. “I wished to avoid any appearance of opposition,” he clarified. “Moreover, the recent onslaught against elected Chief Ministers and Opposition parties during election season poses a dire threat to Indian democracy and its esteemed institutions.”

Meanwhile, the RLD has unveiled its candidates for two constituencies in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.