Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday, 18 September 2026, accompanied by his wife and two daughters — Sahira and Ilesha Singh. The meeting, which Chaudhary publicly shared on his X handle along with a photograph, has set off a wave of political speculation, coming just two days before a large RLD rally scheduled in Muzaffarnagar on 20 September.

A Family Visit That Carries Political Weight

The personal, familial nature of the meeting has drawn considerable attention from political observers in Delhi and Lucknow. In Indian political tradition, presenting one's family to the senior-most figure in an alliance is widely read as a gesture of closeness and long-term commitment — going beyond routine protocol. Analysts are interpreting the visit as a visible signal of Chaudhary's alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Birthday Greetings and 'Seva Sankalp' Message

The Friday meeting followed a warm birthday post that Chaudhary had shared on his X handle a day earlier. In that post, he wrote that he had personally learnt a great deal from observing the Prime Minister's work ethic closely, praising Modi's commitment and 'creative disruption,' which he credited with earning 'tremendous public support over many years of service.' Chaudhary also expressed confidence that the 'Seva Sankalp' taken by citizens on the occasion would inspire greater social responsibility and 'stronger, inclusive and sustainable growth.'

Muzaffarnagar Rally: The Backdrop

The Muzaffarnagar constituency and surrounding western Uttar Pradesh region are core RLD territory, historically significant for the Jat community and agrarian politics. The 20 September rally is expected to formally underline the RLD's continued partnership with the ruling alliance as election preparations intensify. Political circles are watching the event closely to gauge whether the rally will also feature NDA leadership, which would serve as a further public endorsement of the alliance's unity.

NDA vs INDIA Alliance: Rising Stakes in UP

With both the NDA and the opposition INDIA alliance stepping up mobilisation ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, every public gesture carries amplified significance. The RLD's return to the NDA fold — after a period of alignment with the Samajwadi Party during the 2022 UP elections — remains one of the notable political realignments of recent years in the state. Chaudhary's proximity to Modi, now signalled in both words and optics, is intended to reassure NDA voters in western UP about the alliance's cohesion.

What to Watch Next

The Muzaffarnagar rally on 20 September is the immediate event to track. Political observers will note attendee lists, the tone of Chaudhary's speech, and whether any central NDA leaders share the stage. The rally's optics could set the tone for the RLD's positioning and negotiating leverage within the alliance as seat-sharing talks are expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.