Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar got here beneath opposition’s scathing assault within the state legislature on Friday over allegations of disrespecting the nationwide anthem at a public occasion. The controversy erupted after Kumar, on the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 in Patna on Thursday, was seen strolling off the stage abruptly amid bulletins and fascinating in informal interactions. Because the anthem performed, he was reportedly smiling and waving at bystanders.
Talking to the media exterior the meeting, Chief of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav escalated his assault, remarking, “It’s not a small concern. If the chief minister doesn’t apologise, it might set a incorrect precedent. Additionally, it’s turning into evident daily that he’s not mentally sound. A state like Bihar, inhabited by practically 14 crore folks, isn’t protected in his fingers.”
Defending Nitish Kumar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary dismissed the allegations, stating, “In the event that they (opposition) need an adjournment movement, they need to watch for the suitable time. Our chief wants no classes in respecting the nationwide anthem.”
Regardless of the federal government’s makes an attempt to downplay the controversy, opposition MLAs remained unrelenting, demanding an ‘unconditional apology’ from Kumar. The Speaker was finally pressured to adjourn proceedings until 2 PM.
When the Home reconvened, the persistent ruckus led to a different adjournment until 3:30 PM.
Nitish Kumar Faces Opposition’s Fury
The opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), launched an aggressive offensive, accusing the Janata Dal (United) chief of dishonoring the nationwide anthem. RJD legislators stormed the meeting premises carrying the tricolour and banners condemning Kumar’s conduct, elevating slogans equivalent to “No insult to the nationwide anthem shall be tolerated.”
Within the Higher Home, former Chief Minister and Chief of Opposition Rabri Devi led the cost, launching a scathing critique. “Nitish Kumar has misplaced his thoughts. He would do higher to surrender his put up and, perhaps, hand over the reins to his son,” she stated. Nevertheless, Council Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh instantly expunged her remarks, terming them ‘unparliamentary.’
JD(U) MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar tried harm management, citing Kumar’s contributions to the welfare of freedom fighters. Nevertheless, his protection did little to quell the opposition’s fury. As protests escalated, the Council was adjourned, following which Rabri Devi and her colleagues staged a sit-in on the steps of the legislative constructing, waving placards and chanting slogans.
Decided to escalate the difficulty, the RJD introduced statewide protests. An announcement from occasion state common secretary Ranvijay Sahu confirmed that effigies of the chief minister could be burned in any respect district headquarters on Saturday.
In the meantime, Prashant Kishor, chief of the Jan Suraaj Social gathering, seized upon the controversy, launching a blistering assault on Kumar. Addressing reporters in Hajipur, Kishor remarked, “There ought to be a radical examination of Nitish Kumar’s frame of mind, and the report have to be made public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union House Minister Amit Shah appear to concentrate on his situation, however for the sake of JD(U)’s assist on the Centre, they’re doing injustice to Bihar.”
Kishor additionally cited former BJP chief Sushil Kumar Modi’s 2023 remarks alleging that Kumar suffered from a severe psychological situation. “These items can’t be saved beneath wraps. I foresee extra such embarrassing incidents if the chief minister continues to attend public features,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)
