Nitish Kumar Health Concerns: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has recently sparked massive political controversy and public concern over his peculiar behavior during various public events. Speculations about the 74-year-old leader’s mental health are growing louder, as opposition parties demand his resignation. Here’s everything you need to know about the incidents, their implications on Bihar’s politics, and why the BJP remains silent.
Strange Incidents That Raised Eyebrows
Nitish Kumar’s unusual behavior became a topic of heated discussion after an incident on March 20, 2025, during a function at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. The Chief Minister abruptly stopped the national anthem, gesturing from the stage to delay it until he took a round of the stadium. Even when the anthem resumed, he continued to act strangely.
Nitish Kumar Health Concerns: This incident follows a pattern of bizarre actions:
- March 15, 2025: During a Holi Milan event in Patna, Nitish Kumar bent down to touch the feet of BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is four years younger than him. Ravi Shankar Prasad stopped him, but the gesture raised many eyebrows.
- Twice in 2024: The CM attempted to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet—first at an NDA meeting in Delhi on June 7, and then during the Darbhanga AIIMS foundation stone laying ceremony on November 13.
- January 30, 2025: During a tribute meeting for Mahatma Gandhi in Patna, Nitish Kumar began clapping immediately after paying tribute, only to be stopped by Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav.
- November 30, 2024: During the last day of the winter session of the Assembly, he was seen playing with the bracelet of Building Construction Minister Ashok Choudhary, which left the minister laughing awkwardly.
- October 15, 2024: At a Dussehra event, Nitish Kumar threw away the arrow-bow meant to shoot at Ravana.
- September 21, 2024: Nitish Kumar bizarrely hugged Minister Ashok Choudhary, placing his head on his shoulder and declaring, “We love him very much.”
Political Uproar Over Nitish Kumar’s Behavior
Opposition parties have been quick to label Nitish Kumar’s actions as signs of mental instability. RJD’s Rabri Devi openly stated that if the Chief Minister is mentally unwell, he should resign and let his son take charge. Lalu Yadav, through social media, accused Nitish Kumar of disrespecting the national anthem and demanded strict action.
BJP, usually quick to pounce on political controversies, has been noticeably silent on the issue. Political experts believe this silence is due to the BJP’s dependence on Nitish Kumar to retain power in Bihar. Despite his strange behavior, the alliance does not want to risk losing its grip on the state’s politics by criticizing their own leader.
Is Nitish Kumar Really Unwell?
Nitish Kumar Health Concerns: Speculation about Nitish Kumar’s mental health has been fueled by his increasingly erratic behavior. Critics argue that his public speeches are now disjointed, lacking coherence and clarity. Additionally, he is kept under strict surveillance by JDU and BJP leaders, suggesting concern for his well-being.
Political insiders note that growing age and pressure could be contributing factors, but no official statement has been made about the Chief Minister’s health. Concerns are mounting over his ability to continue leading Bihar, especially if his condition deteriorates further.
Why Is BJP Silent On The Issue?
Nitish Kumar Health Concerns: Despite the BJP’s history of attacking opposition leaders over health concerns, they remain tight-lipped regarding Nitish Kumar’s behavior. Analysts believe this is due to the party’s reliance on Nitish Kumar’s leadership to maintain control in Bihar. Criticizing him or raising questions about his health could result in political instability and a divided voter base.
Unlike the case of former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, where BJP aggressively campaigned against his deteriorating health, the party appears hesitant to make a similar move against Nitish Kumar. The political stakes are simply too high.
What If Nitish Kumar Resigns From Politics?
Nitish Kumar Health Concerns: If Nitish Kumar chooses to step away from politics due to health reasons, it could completely alter the political landscape of Bihar. The BJP would have to find a new face to lead the state—an uphill task given the absence of a strong regional leader with a mass following.
For the JDU, the dilemma would be even more profound. Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant, who has stayed away from politics until now, could be considered a potential successor, but his political inexperience might not sit well with party members or voters.
Moreover, the Kurmi caste, which has traditionally supported Nitish Kumar, may feel politically orphaned if he steps down. The BJP has been trying to groom other leaders like Mantu Patel, but their popularity is still far behind Nitish’s.
Why Are There No Age Limits For Political Leaders?
Unlike most professions in India, there is no retirement age for politicians. Article 84 of the Indian Constitution only specifies minimum age requirements to contest elections but imposes no upper limit. As long as a politician wins elections, they can continue serving in office regardless of age or health.
Critics argue that this system allows unhealthy and potentially unfit leaders to hold positions of power, compromising the quality of governance. However, proponents believe that political service is about experience and that restricting it based on age would curb democratic freedoms.
Can A Mentally Unwell Leader Remain In Power?
According to the Representation of the People Act (1950 and 1951), a person proven by a court to be of unsound mind cannot contest elections. If proven, they can be disqualified from their position. However, no such declaration has been made about Nitish Kumar, and the BJP remains silent.
The silence is telling, and the political future of Bihar hangs in the balance. Will the BJP finally speak out, or will they continue to shield Nitish Kumar despite growing public concerns?
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