JDU leader KC Tyagi resigns as party spokesperson citing ‘personal reasons’

Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi resigned from his position as party spokesperson Sunday, citing “personal reasons.” Rajiv Ranjan Prasad has been appointed as the new JD(U) spokesperson.

This marks the second time in two years that he has resigned or dropped as the party’s national spokesperson. He was previously dropped from the role in March 2023, but the decision was reversed within two months after intervention from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

In his letter to Kumar, Tyagi, a former MP and socialist leader, mentioned that he has been unable to fulfill his duties as spokesperson due to his involvement in other work. He added that he had made this request previously as well.

Party leaders noted that Tyagi will continue in his role as a “political advisor.”

KC Tyagi, a Delhi-based leader of the Janata Dal (United), has often made headlines in the national media—a rare feat for a leader of a regional party. Known for his articulate and experienced commentary, Tyagi frequently spoke out on the central government’s policies, which many within his party believed strained the BJP-JD(U) alliance.

Tyagi’s remarks on sensitive issues such as the Uniform Civil Code, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, lateral entry in government, and even the Palestine conflict often highlighted the JD(U)’s differing stance from its ally, the BJP, causing friction between the two parties.

Recently, Tyagi was the only member from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) present at a meeting attended by several opposition leaders and Mohammad Makram Balawi, Secretary General of the League of Parliamentarians. The meeting ended with a joint statement accusing Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians and calling on the Indian government to halt arms sales to Israel, reports The Indian Express.

While K.C. Tyagi’s views often aligned with the JD(U)’s ideology, his willingness to publicly express them made some party members uncomfortable, especially when senior leaders usually chose a more cautious approach. Given his seniority, only Nitish Kumar could effectively manage his stance, but the Bihar Chief Minister has been leaning more on other party members for organizational leadership.

With leaders like Union Minister Lalan Singh and parliamentary party head Sanjay Jha now representing the JD(U) in national politics, there is a sentiment that they should manage BJP relations without Tyagi’s frequent public comments. This comes as the BJP works to maintain unity and coordination within the National Democratic Alliance amid reports of internal differences.