New Delhi, March 24: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh on Monday responded sharply to Congress leader Pawan Khera’s remarks about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, advising Khera to focus on his own affairs rather than Nitish Kumar’s health or politics.
“He need not express any concern. Pawan Khera should be concerned about himself. Nitish Kumar is healthy and contributing to the development of Bihar. They can do politics if they want but they have no base in Bihar. They are walking on the crutches of RJD,” Singh stated.
Earlier, Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey also took a dig at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leadership, particularly RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, calling them “the most non-serious politicians” in the state. Pandey added, “If there is anyone in Bihar who is a non-serious politician, it is Lalu ji’s family. There have never been politicians as non-serious as these people.”
This exchange came in response to a recent video shared by RJD leaders, in which Bihar CM Nitish Kumar appeared to be engaging in conversation during the national anthem at a public event. RJD leaders have criticized Kumar for the incident, demanding an apology in both houses of the state legislature.
Pandey defended Kumar, stating, “Nitish Kumar has always respected the country, the national flag, and its traditions. A person whose entire life is dedicated to this is being questioned by those who remained seated during the national anthem. There is no point in such people making allegations today.”
In the video in question, Nitish Kumar was seen tapping an official on the shoulder while engaging in conversation, smiling, and folding his hands in a namaskar gesture towards someone in the audience during the anthem. The incident quickly drew criticism from RJD leaders.
Pawan Khera, earlier on Sunday, expressed concern over Nitish Kumar’s health and Bihar’s leadership. “We are worried for the health of the Chief Minister, but we are more worried about Bihar. If Bihar has such a leadership, how safe is the state? They (BJP) only worry about any state until the elections. After the elections, they forget Bihar or any other state,” Khera had said.