The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) emerged as a significant regional political force in Bihar and Jharkhand states, located in eastern India, with a notable presence in national politics and governance in New Delhi. The roots of JD(U) trace back to the inception of the Janata (People’s) Party in 1977, formed by a coalition of smaller parties to counter the dominance of the Indian National Congress and its leader, Indira Gandhi. Subsequently, in 1988, the Janata Dal (JD) was established under the leadership of V.P. Singh, consolidating the Janata Party and two other entities within the United Front (UF) coalition. However, internal rifts led to prominent leaders like George Fernandes and Nitish Kumar breaking away to form the Samata (Equality) Party in 1994.
Janta Dal United Office Contact Details
JDU National President: Nitish Kumar
JDU Head Office (Patna) Address: 1, Veer Chand Patel Road, Patna-80001
JDU Head Office Telephone Number: 0612-2228055, 2506607, 2506256(Fax)
JDU Office Email : jdubihar@gmail.com, jdubihar@yahoo.in
JDU Official Website : jdu.org.in
Janta Dal United Delhi Office Address: 7, Jantar-Mantar Road, New Delhi-110001
Janta Dal United Delhi Office Telephone Number: 011-23368833, 23368834, 23368138(Fax)
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Further fragmentation occurred in 1997 when Lalu Prasad Yadav formed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), significantly impacting Bihar state politics. Nevertheless, the JD managed to briefly lead a coalition government in 1996-1997. In 1999, the JD sided with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), leading to factional disputes and the formation of Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)).
In a strategic move to counter the RJD’s dominance in Bihar, the JD(U) reconstituted itself in 2003, merging with the Samata and other smaller parties. This reformation aimed to appeal to lower-caste Hindus and minority Muslims, traditionally aligned with the RJD. The party, subscribing to socialism, secularism, and democracy, aligned with the NDA government, opposing both the Congress Party and the “Third Front” coalition.
The JD(U) gained momentum in Bihar, securing significant victories in the 2005 state legislative assembly elections and subsequently forming a coalition government with the BJP. Nitish Kumar assumed the role of chief minister, implementing policies to uplift the economically backward state.
Building on its initial success, the JD(U) continued its strong performance in the 2010 assembly elections, further solidifying its position in Bihar politics. Partnering with the BJP, it formed another coalition government with Kumar at the helm. Additionally, the party made notable gains in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, enhancing its presence in the national political landscape.
