Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has come under fire after a video surfaced showing him purportedly talking and gesturing during the national anthem at an event in Patna. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Misa Bharti criticized Kumar’s behavior, questioning his mental and physical fitness to lead the state.
“During the national anthem, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar did not appear physically and mentally well. I urge PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to evaluate whether his mental state is stable. Bihar’s leadership is in the wrong hands,” Bharti told ANI.
RJD leader Mukesh Raushan staged a protest in Patna, demanding Kumar’s resignation and an apology for allegedly disrespecting the national anthem. “A case of treason should be filed against him. He is unfit to continue as Chief Minister, and President’s Rule should be imposed in Bihar,” he said.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also shared the controversial video, accusing Kumar of repeated insults to the people of Bihar. “He disrespects youth, students, women, and the elderly. Sometimes he claps on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day, and now he disrespects the national anthem,” Yadav said in a post on X.
In the video, Kumar was seen tapping an official on the shoulder, engaging in conversation, and greeting someone in the audience with a namaskar while the anthem was being played.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav also condemned Kumar’s actions, stating, “India will not tolerate disrespect toward the national anthem. The people of Bihar must decide if this is acceptable.”
The controversy has erupted ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for October 2024, though the Election Commission has yet to announce the official dates.
