JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi resigns; Rajiv Ranjan Prasad appointed as successor

New Delhi, Sep 1 2024 : KC Tyagi, the prominent spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], has resigned from his position, with the party attributing his departure to “personal reasons.” The resignation, announced on Sunday, comes amid speculation that Tyagi’s outspoken public comments may have strained the party’s relationship with its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a statement released by the JD(U), party president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has appointed Rajiv Ranjan Prasad as the new national spokesperson. The party’s official statement highlighted Tyagi’s resignation as a matter of personal choice, but internal sources suggest that his frequent and vocal criticism of central government policies played a significant role in his departure.

Tyagi, a seasoned leader known for his articulate and candid views, has been a high-profile figure in national media. His recent comments on various contentious issues, including the Uniform Civil Code, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, reportedly did not align with the party’s official line. Sources within the JD(U) indicated that Tyagi’s statements, which included calls for halting arms supplies to Israel and supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, were seen as problematic, particularly in relation to the BJP-JD(U) alliance. Further complicating matters, Tyagi’s remarks on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding SC/ST reservations and the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) decision on lateral recruitment were made without prior party consultation. His commentary on these issues, which included advocating for a caste-based census and criticizing the UPSC’s approach to lateral entry appointments, was perceived by some within the party as deviating from the JD(U)’s official stance. The JD(U) has two other senior leaders based in Delhi, Union Minister Lalan Singh and parliamentary party leader Sanjay Jha. There is a view within the party that their roles should be central in managing relations with the BJP, and Tyagi’s frequent public interventions may have been seen as disruptive.

As the JD(U) seeks to maintain harmony within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Tyagi’s resignation marks a strategic shift, with Rajiv Ranjan Prasad stepping in to navigate the party’s communication and external relations. The BJP has reportedly been engaged in efforts to reinforce coordination and mitigate any emerging differences within the alliance.