The Janata Dal is a political party in India that was founded in 1988. It emerged from a coalition of various regional and national parties, aiming to provide an alternative to the dominant parties at the time. The party has focused on issues like social justice, economic development, and democratic governance. Over the years, the Janata Dal has split into several factions, with the most notable being the Janata Dal (United) and the Janata Dal (Secular). These factions continue to play significant roles in regional politics, particularly in states like Bihar and Karnataka.