JD (U) leader Tyagi demands Bharat Ratna for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, party distances itself

Patna: The Janata Dal (United) has distanced itself from former MP KC Tyagi, who demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Tyagi had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that Nitish Kumar is a precious gem of the socialist movement. 

What had Tyagi written in letter to PM Modi?

He also mentioned that several living politicians have received this honour before. Tyagi cited the examples of the late Chaudhary Charan Singh and the late Karpoori Thakur, both from a socialist background, who were awarded the Bharat Ratna during Narendra Modi's tenure. Several leaders had previously demanded the Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar, but the JD(U) had never commented on those demands.

What stand did the JD(U) take?

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said on Saturday that several statements have been made by KC Tyagi recently, but these do not represent the party's official stance.

“Tyagi is making these statements in his personal capacity. Party workers are not even sure whether KC Tyagi is still a member of the JD(U). His statements should not be associated with the JD(U),” he told the media.

However, Rajiv Ranjan did not specifically mention Tyagi's demand for the Bharat Ratna. But, considering the timing, it is being speculated that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not approve of the demand for the Bharat Ratna. Tyagi's statement came on Friday, and the JD(U)'s response followed on Saturday morning.

What is Tyagi's role in JD (U)?

KC Tyagi's role in the JD(U) has been steadily diminishing. He was once the party's national principal general secretary and spokesperson.

He was removed from the posts of general secretary and spokesperson in JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar's team.

Until now, he was known as an advisor to the JD(U). However, Rajiv Ranjan's statement on Saturday makes it clear that this role has also ended.