Is JD(U) Dismissing Tyagi's Bharat Ratna Appeal for Nitish Kumar?
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Patna, Jan 10 (NationPress) Following the demand from Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to receive the Bharat Ratna, the party clarified on Saturday that these comments were “entirely personal” and do not represent its official stance.
JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad stressed that Tyagi's recent remarks should not be associated with the party, pointing out that even party officials and members are uncertain about Tyagi's current involvement in the organization.
In an interview with IANS, Ranjan stated, “Numerous statements from K.C. Tyagi have surfaced recently. These do not reflect the official party stance or policies. Hence, his comments should be viewed as personal opinions. It is worth mentioning that even party leaders and members are unaware if he remains active in the party, reinforcing that his remarks are strictly personal.”
JD(U) Minister Ashok Choudhary echoed this sentiment, further distancing the party from Tyagi's comments and indicating that no formal decision had been made regarding the issue.
Choudhary remarked to IANS, “Concerning K.C. Tyagi's statements, they are his individual views and not indicative of the party's position. No decision has been arrived at by the party on this matter yet. When the party reaches a decision, it will inform the public.”
K.C. Tyagi recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocating for the Bharat Ratna for JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar.
In his correspondence, Tyagi claimed that just as Chaudhary Charan Singh and Karpoori Thakur received the nation's highest civilian award last year, Nitish Kumar is equally deserving.
Tyagi has also attracted attention in recent weeks by supporting Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, which contradicted the JD(U)'s official position.
He stated that politics should remain separate from sports and urged the BCCI to reconsider its decision to exclude Rahman from the IPL squad.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi welcomed the notion, stating it would be “fantastic” if Nitish Kumar were honored with the Bharat Ratna.
In a post on X, Manjhi wrote, “Bharat Ratna Nitish Kumar Ji… How wonderful it would sound to hear these words, right? We are fully confident that the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, known for his surprising decisions, will once again amaze everyone by deciding to confer the Bharat Ratna on Bihar's esteemed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Ji... Bharat Ratna Nitish Kumar.”