JD(U) distances itself from ex-MP KC Tyagi endorses Nitish Kumar for Bharat Ratna

The Janata Dal (United) has effectively severed ties with senior leader KC Tyagi, according to reports quoting party sources on Wednesday, making it clear that he is no longer associated with the party.

The position was clarified by JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan, who said that Tyagi’s recent statement regarding the Bharat Ratna was his personal opinion and did not reflect the party’s stand. “Tyagi has no connection with JD(U) affairs any longer. Even party workers are unaware of whether he is part of the organisation,” Ranjan said.

Sources indicated that Tyagi has already exited the party, although no formal action has been initiated so far in view of his long association with the JD(U).

The controversy arose after Tyagi recently wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar be awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour. In political circles, the move was widely viewed as an attempt at damage control, following a series of statements by Tyagi that had reportedly caused discomfort within the party.

In his letter, Tyagi described Nitish Kumar as a “precious gem” of the socialist movement and argued that he was fully deserving of the honour. He also praised the prime minister for previously conferring the Bharat Ratna on leaders such as Chaudhary Charan Singh and Karpoori Thakur and said that, as with other recipients who were honoured during their lifetime, Nitish Kumar should also be recognised in keeping with the sentiments of millions of people.

However, the JD(U)’s latest statement has made it clear that the party has distanced itself from Tyagi and does not endorse his views or actions.