Ajit Singh's RLD joins hands with Congress for UP Election 2012

Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) joins hands with Congress for the crucial assembly elections 2012 and also adding to strength of the party-led government at the centre by decding to join the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Ajit Singh met Congress president Sonia Gandhi Saturday as the two parties finally reached an accord for the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, expected in the first half of next year. The two parties had protracted negotiations over the seat and inclusion of Ajit Singh in the union cabinet.

Congress general secretary Janaradan Dwivedi announced the alliance after Ajit Singh's meeting with Gandhi, who is also UPA chairperson. He said Ajit Singh had expressed his desire to join UPA. "He is expected to write a letter today (Saturday) (to Gandhi) which formalities will be completed," Dwivedi said. Ajit Singh is expected to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon amid possibility that he would made a union minister. Congress leader Mohan Prakash indicated that Singh could joint the cabinet, saying that like other partners in UPA, RLD will also get its share in power.