Nitish Kumar Bharat Ratna Demand Sparks Party Row: JD(U) Distances Itself from Ex-MP's Plea to PM Modi

Image Source: Internet

A controversy has erupted within the Janata Dal (United) party over demands for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. The JD(U) on Saturday distanced itself from a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by former party MP KC Tyagi, who urged the PM to consider bestowing the award on Kumar. Tyagi, a long-time JD(U) member and former ally of Sharad Yadav, described Kumar as a 'precious gem' of the socialist movement and worthy of the highest honour. However, the party has clarified that Tyagi's statement is not in line with its ideology and should be treated as a personal opinion. This is not the first time Tyagi has made a statement that has been at odds with the party's official stance. The JD(U) spokesperson stated that Tyagi's statements will be considered as personal opinions going forward. The party is also unclear about Tyagi's current status within the party. Tyagi's demand for the Bharat Ratna for Kumar is rooted in his admiration for the Bihar CM's long tenure as the state's chief minister, as well as his recent landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kumar's party is a key component of the ruling NDA, a coalition led by the BJP. The Bharat Ratna is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. If awarded, Kumar would join a list of esteemed individuals who have received the honour, including former Prime Minister Charan Singh, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Modi government in 2024. The party's stance on Tyagi's demand has sparked a debate within the JD(U) about the party's ideology and its leadership.