New Delhi, March 22 Former JD(U) leader KC Tyagi joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) on Sunday, saying there is no difference between the two parties as both follow the ideals of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia.
Tyagi said he has come to the party not to become an MLA or an MP, but to see RLD chief "Jayant Chaudhary become like (his grandfather) Chaudhary Charan Singh."
He vowed to carry forward the vision and ideals of Charan Singh during his time in the RLD, which, like the JD(U), is an ally of the BJP and a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The veteran socialist leader joined the RLD along with his supporters in the presence of the party president and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary at an event here.
Tyagi had announced his exit from the JD(U) on Tuesday, without citing any reason. He had been associated with the JD(U) since it came into existence in October 2003 with the merger of the Samata Party and the Janata Dal.
Tyagi served the JD(U) in various capacities, including as its chief general secretary, chief spokesperson and political advisor, during his time with the party led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Welcoming Tyagi to his party, Chaudhary asserted that he will provide "new energy and strength" to the RLD.
The RLD chief also welcomed all other leaders who joined his party alongside Tyagi, saying, "On behalf of all the party workers, I want to welcome them and express my gratitude."
Speaking to