Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar once again became a talking point after his unusual gestures during a virtual event on Saturday sparked fresh buzz ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Chief Minister participated in the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025, a nationwide skill convocation for ITI toppers, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented certificates to students across the country and launched new youth-focused initiatives worth over Rs 62,000 crore.
During the virtual event, Kumar was seen sitting with folded hands for nearly a minute as another leader read out details of the programme. He slightly moved his hands while keeping them clasped together, looked sideways, and smiled briefly. This behaviour that quickly sparked discussion on social media and among political observers.
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Opposition leaders have repeatedly questioned Kumar’s health in recent months, accusing the Janata Dal (United) chief of displaying erratic behavior at public events. They have argued that such incidents raise doubts about his ability to effectively lead the state. With the Bihar assembly elections approaching, political rivals are expected to intensify their attacks over the Chief Minister’s public behaviour.
Past Incidents That Sparked Criticism Against Kumar
This is not the first time Kumar’s gestures have drawn scrutiny. In March, he faced widespread criticism after being caught on camera laughing and talking during the national anthem at a sports event in Patna. The incident went viral after his Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, was seen tugging at the Chief Minister’s sleeve in an apparent attempt to make him stand still.
Earlier, Kumar was also filmed walking off the dais during the national anthem to shake hands with attendees at another official event. Despite the controversies, the JD(U) and its ally, the BJP, have consistently defended him, dismissing the Opposition’s claims as politically motivated.
The Chief Minister attracted attention again in May when he unexpectedly placed a sapling on the head of Education Department officer S. Siddharth during a function in Patna. The officer had handed over the sapling as a customary gesture of welcome to the Chief Minister.
#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar playfully places a plant on the head of ACS Education and LN Mishra Institute for Social and Economic Change Director Dr. S. Siddharth at an event in Patna. pic.twitter.com/mzvEC3wcwn
— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025
Meanwhile, speculation continues to grow over the possible political debut of Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. Though Nitish Kumar has chosen not to address the matter publicly, Nishant has occasionally made brief statements urging people to support his father in the forthcoming election.
