RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary with KC Tyagi (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi on Sunday pledged to carry forward former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy after joining the Rashtriya Lok Dal, after parting way from the Nitish Kumar-led party, which has been at the helm of the Bihar government for the past two decades under chief minister Nitish Kumar.However, Tyagi’s political base lies in western Uttar Pradesh, far from JD(U)’s stronghold in Bihar. Meanwhile, the RLD, also an NDA ally, has been in influence in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the western region, carrying forward the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh under the leadership of his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary.Tyagi said his move reflects continuity rather than change, stressing that there is no difference between JD(U) and the RLD, while recalling past efforts by Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh to come together politically.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityWatch: Missile strike rocks Israel’s ‘Little India’ as Iran attack injures over 40; videos show chaosOver 100 injured in Israel amid Iran’s missile attack; Netanyahu calls it ‘difficult evening in battle for future’Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said, “I began my political career with the Lok Dal itself. This is just its original form; there’s nothing new in it… We will help fulfil the dream that Chaudhary Charan Singh left behind… There is no difference between JD(U) and RLD. There was a time when Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh were set to form a party together. There is no difference between these two.”Tyagi formally joined the RLD in New Delhi in the presence of party president and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary. The veteran socialist leader, a founding member of JD(U), had resigned from the party on March 17.Earlier this week, Tyagi said he did not take part in the party’s latest membership drive, clarifying that there is no personal friction between him and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over the Rajya Sabha seat allocation.Maintaining that his ties with the party remain intact, Tyagi said his “relationship with Nitish Kumar and the Bihar JDU remains the same”.”I am the founder of Janata Dal (United) alongside George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Digvijay Singh… I have been a member ever since. However, I did not participate in this membership drive,” he said.The senior leader also addressed speculation around his parliamentary ambitions, denying that his exit was linked to any bid for a Rajya Sabha seat. “There is not a single instance of me trying for a Rajya Sabha ticket. Even in 2013, Nitish Kumar called me and offered me a ticket,” said Tyagi.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNarendra Modi To Review Energy Security As Middle East Crisis Deepens8931 Days In Office: PM Modi Becomes Longest-Serving Head Of Govt Overtaking Pawan Kumar Chamling‘Zelenskyy Regime Core Exporter Of Instability’: Russia Reacts To NIA Arrest Of Ukrainians In India‘Selective Narrative’: 275 Ex-Officials, Judges Slam USCIRF Over ‘Disturbing’ Report On IndiaLPG Tanker ‘Pyxis Pioneer’ With Over 47,000 Tonnes Of Fuel From US Arrives At New Mangalore PortSeveral Injured In Dimona As Iranian Missile Hits Israel’s ‘Little India’; Videos Show ChaosJaishankar Speaks To Iran FM Araghchi, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Strait Of Hormuz Situation”Claims Are Baseless” Says Former Envoy Sanjay Verma On Trudeau’s AllegationsRahul Gandhi Warns Of Inflation Wave Amid Rupee Fall, Slams Modi Govt Over StrategyVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports Vision123PhotostoriesTOISA 2025 celebrates India’s sporting excellence with Smriti Mandhana and Samrat Rana leading the honoursCan’t stop overthinking conversations before bed? 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NEW DELHI: Senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi on Sunday pledged to carry forward former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy after joining the Rashtriya Lok Dal, after parting way from the Nitish Kumar-led party, which has been at the helm of the Bihar government for the past two decades under chief minister Nitish Kumar.However, Tyagi’s political base lies in western Uttar Pradesh, far from JD(U)’s stronghold in Bihar. Meanwhile, the RLD, also an NDA ally, has been in influence in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the western region, carrying forward the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh under the leadership of his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary.Tyagi said his move reflects continuity rather than change, stressing that there is no difference between JD(U) and the RLD, while recalling past efforts by Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh to come together politically.Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said, “I began my political career with the Lok Dal itself. This is just its original form; there’s nothing new in it… We will help fulfil the dream that Chaudhary Charan Singh left behind… There is no difference between JD(U) and RLD. There was a time when Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh were set to form a party together. There is no difference between these two.”Tyagi formally joined the RLD in New Delhi in the presence of party president and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary. The veteran socialist leader, a founding member of JD(U), had resigned from the party on March 17.Earlier this week, Tyagi said he did not take part in the party’s latest membership drive, clarifying that there is no personal friction between him and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over the Rajya Sabha seat allocation.Maintaining that his ties with the party remain intact, Tyagi said his “relationship with Nitish Kumar and the Bihar JDU remains the same”.“I am the founder of Janata Dal (United) alongside George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Digvijay Singh… I have been a member ever since. However, I did not participate in this membership drive,” he said.The senior leader also addressed speculation around his parliamentary ambitions, denying that his exit was linked to any bid for a Rajya Sabha seat. “There is not a single instance of me trying for a Rajya Sabha ticket. Even in 2013, Nitish Kumar called me and offered me a ticket,” said Tyagi.
