Janata Dal (United)

Janata Dal (United) is a political party in India with political presence mainly in Bihar and Karnataka. It is led by George Fernandes. The current party was formed by the merger of the erstwhile Janata Dal (United) with the Samata Party on October 30, 2003. The uniting force is believed to be common opposition to Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar especially after the RJD welcomed Samata Party rebels like Raghunath Jha and Brahmananad Mandal into the party. Janata Dal (United) is a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance.

The Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal -ironically bitter political opponents today - originate from the same Janata Dal and Jayaprakash Narayan's Total Revolution movement of 1974.

Currently, the JD(U) heads the government in Bihar. The JD(U) along with its alliance partner, the BJP overthrew the RJD-led UPA government in Bihar in November, 2005. The government is headed by JD(U) leader, Nitish Kumar.

See also: List of political parties in India

External link

*Article from the Hindu on the merger