Bihar politics witnessed a fresh controversy today after senior Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi demanded that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar be awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor. The party, however, quickly distanced itself from the statement.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tyagi urged that Nitish Kumar be conferred the Bharat Ratna, citing his contributions to social justice, good governance, and development. Tyagi described the Bihar Chief Minister as a “priceless jewel of the socialist movement.”

The JD(U) leadership, however, appeared displeased with the demand. Party national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad clarified that Tyagi’s statement was entirely his personal opinion and did not reflect the official policy or activities of the party. He further noted that Tyagi no longer holds any formal position within the party.

Amid the controversy, political circles indicate that there had been underlying dissatisfaction regarding Tyagi’s role and position in the party. Some sources suggest that the leadership was already unhappy with certain statements made by him, leading to questions about his political stature and influence within JD(U).

Political analysts say that the issue is not merely about a call for recognition but also reflects internal party dynamics and the delicate balance of leadership within JD(U). Some believe it could potentially impact Nitish Kumar’s organizational influence.

It is worth noting that the Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, rarely conferred upon living politicians. Nevertheless, Tyagi’s demand has sparked a wider political debate in Bihar, intertwining public recognition with the state’s political calculations.