Prashant Kishor: Treating Politics Like a Picnic | Veteran Leader on Nitish, Rahul & Bihar
Veteran JDU leader KC Tyagi defends Nitish Kumar’s honesty, dismisses alliance rift rumors, and shares key insights on Bihar’s election mood.
In an exclusive interview with senior journalist Barkha Dutt, veteran JDU leader KC Tyagi shared his insights on Bihar’s political scene, the upcoming elections, and the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Tyagi, who has been closely associated with Bihar politics for over five decades, strongly defended Nitish Kumar’s credibility, calling him “the most honest and capable leader after Lohia and Karpoori Thakur.”
During the discussion, Tyagi dismissed comparisons made by Prashant Kishor, who likened Nitish Kumar to former PM Manmohan Singh, suggesting corruption around him. Tyagi rejected the analogy, stating that Nitish is not dependent on anyone’s “sympathy” but is a people’s leader who rose through struggle and integrity.
When asked about BJP’s position in the alliance, Tyagi affirmed that the NDA remains united under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, ruling out any internal rifts. He also responded to speculation about Nitish switching sides, asserting, “We are firmly with NDA and will continue.”
Addressing Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the Bihar campaign, Tyagi claimed that Gandhi was reportedly unhappy with Tejashwi Yadav being projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate. He further said that Congress now seeks “revival, not survival,” hinting at shifting political strategies.
In conclusion, Barkha Dutt noted that KC Tyagi’s unwavering support for Nitish Kumar reflects the deep trust within JDU and NDA circles. As the Bihar elections approach, his confidence signals the party’s faith in Nitish’s leadership and governance record.
