Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Unusual Behavior Raises Health Concerns Amid Upcoming Elections

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar participated in a virtual skill convocation ceremony for ITI toppers from across the country on Saturday. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented certificates to students as part of the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025 initiative.

The chief minister attracted attention when he remained seated with folded hands for nearly a minute while another official read program details. He was observed slightly shaking his clasped hands, occasionally looking sideways, and smiling at one point during this period.

Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), has faced increasing scrutiny from opposition parties regarding his health. Critics have questioned his fitness to govern Bihar, citing what they describe as unstable and erratic public behavior in recent times.

With Bihar assembly elections approaching, political rivals are likely to intensify their focus on Kumar's unexplained public gestures.

In March, Kumar faced criticism after being captured on camera laughing and talking during the national anthem at a Patna sports event. His Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar was seen tugging at the chief minister's sleeve, apparently attempting to draw his attention to proper protocol.

In another incident, Kumar prematurely left a stage when the national anthem was announced, proceeding instead to shake hands with event participants.

The chief minister also generated controversy when he placed his arm around a woman's shoulder during a Patna event launching central and state projects in March, prompting backlash from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Despite these incidents, the JD(U) and its coalition partner BJP have publicly defended Kumar against opposition attacks.

Kumar has long been known for spontaneous and unconventional gestures that generate headlines. In May, he surprised attendees at a Patna event by playfully placing a sapling on an Education Department officer's head after receiving it as part of a welcome ceremony.

While some view these actions as humorous or symbolic, they have drawn criticism from political opponents, particularly RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Just one day before the virtual ceremony, Kumar had conducted a meeting with approximately 400 JD(U) workers from across Bihar at his Patna residence to discuss election strategy. This gathering appeared designed to demonstrate that the JD(U) leader remains firmly in charge and prepared for the upcoming electoral contest, contrary to opposition claims about his health.

Meanwhile, speculation continues regarding the potential political debut of Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, though the chief minister has consistently avoided commenting on this matter. Nishant has occasionally made public statements encouraging support for his father in the upcoming election.