Nitish Kumar Caught Chatting and Fidgeting as National Anthem Plays at Sports Event

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again found himself at the center of a political controversy after he was caught on camera talking, laughing, and fidgeting during the national anthem at the inauguration of the Sepaktakraw World Cup in Patna's Pataliputra Sports Complex. The viral video has sparked outrage from the opposition, particularly his former deputy, Tejashwi Yadav, who accused him of disrespecting the nation and the state of Bihar.

The video shows Nitish Kumar engaging in conversation with IAS officer and Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar while the anthem was playing. At one point, he was seen tapping the officer on the shoulder and folding his hands in a namaskar towards someone in the audience. Deepak Kumar, standing at attention, was seen discreetly pulling at the Chief Minister's sleeves, seemingly urging him to remain still. This was not the only moment of disregard; earlier, Nitish Kumar had walked off the dais just as the national anthem was about to begin, choosing instead to shake hands with participants.

Tejashwi Yadav did not hold back in his criticism. Taking to social media, he accused the Chief Minister of routinely disrespecting important occasions. "At least do not insult the national anthem, Hon'ble Chief Minister. You insult youth, students, women, and the elderly every day. Sometimes you clap on Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day, sometimes during the national anthem!" Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter). He went on to call Nitish Kumar's conduct an embarrassment for Bihar and questioned his fitness to govern, adding, "You are not mentally or physically stable even for a few seconds. Your unconscious state in such a high position is a matter of great concern for the state."

His father, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, also joined in, sharing the video with the caption, "India will not tolerate insult to the national anthem. People of Bihar, is there anything left now?"

Amid the backlash, sources within Kumar's Janata Dal (United) hinted that he may issue an unconditional apology in the state assembly to contain the growing controversy. However, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, a key NDA ally, defended Kumar. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Manjhi stated, "Those who have insulted Bihar are questioning the Chief Minister. Laluji and his associates turned Bihar's name into an abuse, but it was Nitish Kumar who restored its dignity on the global stage." He further asserted that Kumar remains Bihar's pride and enjoys unwavering support.

This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has faced backlash for an awkward moment at a solemn occasion. Earlier this year, on January 30, he was seen clapping after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, sparking a similar controversy. Now, with fresh criticism mounting, all eyes are on how the Chief Minister will address the situation.