Nitish Kumar is facing criticism for his unusual conduct during the National Anthem.
Patna March 20, 2025: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing criticism for his conduct during the National Anthem at the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup at Patliputra Sports Complex in Kankarbagh, Patna, on Thursday.
A video from the event shows Kumar engaging in conversation with Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar and folding his hands towards media personnel while the Anthem played, deviating from the expected decorum of standing attentively.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Criticism of Nitish Kumar:
Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, shared the video on his social media account, accusing Kumar of disrespecting the National Anthem and questioning his mental and physical stability. Yadav also referenced past instances of Kumar’s alleged inappropriate actions, including clapping on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day.
“Please do not insult the national anthem, Chief Minister. You insult the youth, students, women, and elderly every day. Sometimes you clap on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day, and now this,” Yadav said.
“You are the Chief Minister of a big state. Your unstable behavior is a matter of great concern for the people of Bihar. Bihar deserves better leadership,” he said.
This incident has provided the opposition, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with fresh grounds to criticize Kumar, potentially impacting his public image ahead of the 2025 Bihar elections.
Notably, this is not the first time political figures in Bihar have faced scrutiny over national anthem protocol.
Nitish Kumar was earlier involved in unusual activities:
He was earlier seen clapping during Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary event.
He has been repeatedly folding his hands before media persons in an unprompted manner.
He touched the feet of PM Narendra Modi,l former Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad and many other leaders in a public event and rallies.
The viral video has sparked debates on Nitish Kumar’s mental and physical fitness to lead the state.
Such incidents highlight the heightened sensitivity surrounding the national anthem and the expectations placed on public officials to uphold its sanctity during official events.
Also Read: RJD criticized Nitish Kumar through a poster ahead of the Bihar assembly poll 2025.
EOM.