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K C Tyagi, the general secretary of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), has resigned as the party's national spokesperson. His resignation comes amidst growing tensions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly due to Tyagi's outspoken stances on sensitive issues that have ruffled feathers within the BJP, JD(U)'s key ally. Tyagi's forthright comments, particularly on issues such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the Agnipath scheme, have been viewed as deviating from the party line and potentially jeopardizing the delicate balance within the NDA.
One of the primary points of contention was Tyagi's stance on the Israel-Hamas war. He issued a joint statement with opposition leaders calling for India to cease arms sales to Israel, a position that clashed with the BJP government's more cautious approach to the conflict. Tyagi's comments on the Agnipath scheme, a controversial defense recruitment scheme, also drew criticism from within the NDA. While the JD(U) supported the scheme, Tyagi's criticism of its implementation and call for a thorough review were seen as an attempt to appease a section of voters opposed to the scheme, potentially undermining the BJP's agenda.
Beyond these specific issues, the JD(U)'s leadership felt that Tyagi's frequent public pronouncements without seeking the party's consent on sensitive matters were creating unnecessary friction within the alliance. The JD(U), seeking to maintain its position as a reliable coalition partner while also securing maximum benefits for Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly polls, felt that Tyagi's outspokenness was compromising its delicate balancing act. Ultimately, the party's decision to accept Tyagi's resignation underscores the importance of maintaining party discipline and adhering to a unified stance on crucial issues within the NDA.
The JD(U) faces a complex challenge of navigating its relationship with the BJP, particularly as the BJP does not hold a majority in the government. The party must strike a balance between asserting its own identity and agendas while remaining a loyal coalition partner to secure benefits for Bihar. Tyagi's departure signifies the internal tensions within the JD(U) as it attempts to navigate this complex political landscape.