Patna (Bihar), March 23: The controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s actions during the national anthem has sparked widespread criticism, with posters targeting him and strong statements from opposition leaders.
The controversy began after a purported video surfaced showing Nitish Kumar talking and gesturing while the national anthem was being played during a function in Patna. In the video, Kumar was seen engaging with an official, tapping him on the shoulder, and at one point, smiling and performing a namaskar towards someone in the audience.
The incident drew severe backlash from the opposition, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, on Thursday, shared the video on social media and expressed outrage, saying, “At least please do not insult the national anthem, Hon’ble Chief Minister. You insult youth, students, women and elderly people every day. Sometimes they clap on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day and mock his martyrdom, and sometimes they clap on the national anthem!”
Yadav further questioned Kumar’s mental and physical state, stating, “You are the Chief Minister of a big state. You are not mentally and physically stable even for a few seconds, and your being in this position in such an unconscious state is a matter of great concern for the state. Do not insult Bihar like this again and again,” he added.
The criticism continued on Friday, as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned Kumar’s actions, calling it “disrespectful.” He said, “Being a ‘Bihari,’ I feel ashamed. The Chief Minister is the leader of the state, and yesterday’s incident is very unfortunate. This is the first incident in the history of Indian politics that a Chief Minister has disrespected the national anthem. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar should apologise to the public of the nation. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar should retire.”
Adding to the criticism, RJD MP Misa Bharti raised questions about Kumar’s mental and physical health, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to assess the situation. She said, “During the national anthem, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar did not look physically and mentally well. I want to ask PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah whether you found his mental state to be fine… He keeps insulting women, children every day… PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should think in whose hands Bihar is.”
Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, also from the RJD, condemned Kumar’s actions and demanded an apology in both houses of the State Legislature. “The national anthem has been insulted. The world is watching, and he (Nitish Kumar) should apologise in both houses. He should tender his resignation and make his son the Chief Minister of Bihar. Legally, this carries a punishment of three years. Action should be taken on this matter, but these people are hiding it,” Rabri Devi said.
Amid the growing controversy, posters targeting Nitish Kumar appeared outside the residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi in Patna, further escalating the political tension in the state. The posters read, “The non-serious Chief Minister, Jan Jan Man Adhinayan Jay Hai, Nahi Kursi Kursi Kursi Kursi Jay Hai,” mocking the CM’s actions.
As the debate rages on, opposition parties continue to demand accountability and an apology from the Bihar Chief Minister for his actions during the national anthem.