The Janata Dal (United) (JDU), a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has expressed its support for the ruling NDA government. However, the party has raised concerns about the recently announced Agnipath scheme, which has sparked protests across the country.
JDU leader K.C. Tyagi stated that while his party supports the NDA unconditionally, it believes that the shortcomings of the Agnipath scheme need to be addressed. Tyagi emphasized that a section of voters has been upset over the Agniveer scheme, and the JDU wants the public’s concerns to be discussed in detail and resolved.
The Agnipath Scheme, launched by the Indian Armed Forces, seeks to recruit young candidates as Agniveers for a four-year period. After completing their engagement, Agniveers will be given the opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre, with up to 25% of them being selected.
Tyagi also spoke on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which has been a poll promise of the BJP. He signaled that the JDU is not opposed to the UCC but believes that it should be discussed with all stakeholders, including states, Chief Ministers, and political parties.
The JDU leader also advocated for a caste census, saying that it is being demanded by all and that Bihar has paved the way for it. Tyagi emphasized that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not oppose the caste census, and the JDU will pursue it.
Tyagi also reiterated the JDU’s demand for special status for Bihar, which has been a long-standing demand of the party and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He stressed that while the party supports the NDA unconditionally, it believes that Bihar should be given special status.
As per the results announced by the Election Commission of India recently, the BJP won 240 seats and along with its allies, it stands at 293 seats. The JDU, having won 12 seats in Bihar, has extended its support to the NDA. The INDIA bloc has 234 MPs in the new parliament with the Congress having won 99 seats.
