📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Heba Aisha
Politics
Uttar Pradesh’s Small Parties RLD and SBSP Poised to Tip Balance in State Election
✍️ The Week
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 05:16 PM
👁 14
Analysts say the Rashtriya Lok Dal and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, despite their modest size, could become king‑makers in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly poll.
The next Uttar Pradesh assembly election is set to be a contest between the two national giants, the BJP and the SP, but neither is expected to secure an outright majority. Political observers point to a cluster of regional outfits whose combined vote share could prove decisive in forming the government.
The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), led by the Chaudhary family, commands a loyal agrarian base in western Uttar Pradesh, especially among Jat and other OBC communities. In recent by‑elections the party has managed to retain pockets of support, signalling its relevance despite a reduced overall footprint.
Equally important is the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), which draws its strength from the Rajbhar and other Dalit groups in the eastern districts. The SBSP has previously aligned with both the BJP and the SP, using its modest seat tally to negotiate policy concessions and ministerial berths.
Given the fragmented nature of the electorate, a post‑poll alliance that includes RLD and SBSP could tip the balance in favour of either major coalition. Experts warn that the smaller parties will likely leverage their position to extract commitments on agricultural reforms, social welfare schemes, and regional development projects before committing to any government formation.
The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), led by the Chaudhary family, commands a loyal agrarian base in western Uttar Pradesh, especially among Jat and other OBC communities. In recent by‑elections the party has managed to retain pockets of support, signalling its relevance despite a reduced overall footprint.
Equally important is the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), which draws its strength from the Rajbhar and other Dalit groups in the eastern districts. The SBSP has previously aligned with both the BJP and the SP, using its modest seat tally to negotiate policy concessions and ministerial berths.
Given the fragmented nature of the electorate, a post‑poll alliance that includes RLD and SBSP could tip the balance in favour of either major coalition. Experts warn that the smaller parties will likely leverage their position to extract commitments on agricultural reforms, social welfare schemes, and regional development projects before committing to any government formation.