Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday strongly criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allegedly talking and gesturing during the national anthem, calling the act “disrespectful” and “shameful.”
Speaking to the media, Yadav stated, “Bihar CM Nitish Kumar disrespected the national anthem yesterday, and as a Bihari, I feel ashamed. The Chief Minister is the leader of the state, and this incident is deeply unfortunate.”
Calling for Kumar’s resignation, Yadav added, “This is the first time in Indian political history that a Chief Minister has shown such disrespect to the national anthem. Nitish Kumar should apologize to the nation and retire from politics. BJP leaders only engage in theatrics—where are Bihar’s two deputy Chief Ministers now?”
Former Bihar CM and RJD MLA Rabri Devi also attacked Kumar, questioning his mental stability. “He is not mentally fit. If his mind is not working, he should make his son the Chief Minister,” she said.
Earlier in the day, RJD MP Misa Bharti also raised concerns over Kumar’s physical and mental health, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to evaluate Bihar’s leadership. “The Bihar CM did not appear mentally or physically well during the national anthem. PM Modi and Amit Shah must consider in whose hands they have left Bihar,” she told ANI.
RJD leader Mukesh Raushan staged a protest in Patna, demanding an apology from Nitish Kumar. “The Chief Minister should apologize for insulting the national anthem. He is unwell and must be removed from his position. A case of treason should be filed against him,” Raushan said.
A video shared by RJD leaders purportedly shows Nitish Kumar talking, tapping an official on the shoulder, and greeting someone in the audience with a namaskar while the national anthem was being played.
With Bihar’s assembly elections set for October, the controversy has added to the political storm in the state. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the official poll dates.
