NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, already under public scrutiny over several slip-ups, made another gaffe on Friday – this time in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing a public gathering in Rohtas district, Nitish mixed up PM Modi’s name with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Realising the error, he quickly attempted to recover, and asked the crowd to stand and “pranam” PM Modi.The moment added to a growing list of incidents that have raised concerns over Kumar’s public conduct and his health.Opposition leaders, including Bihar CM’s key challenger and RJD MLA Tejashwi Yadav, have questioned his health and suitability to continue governing the state.
In another incident, Kumar was seen clapping abruptly during a solemn tribute on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, a clip that quickly went viral.Despite the misstep, Kumar praised the Modi government’s efforts for Bihar’s development. Speaking just ahead of PM Modi, he lauded the Centre’s support in the budget and welcomed the caste enumeration initiative to be carried out in the next population census.“The development work that is being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development of Bihar… Whatever Bihar has received is a matter of pride. I salute the Centre for announcing the caste-based census. People from other parties were trying to create confusion,” Kumar said.He highlighted that since the NDA assumed power in the state, the government has prioritized development—especially in healthcare and road connectivity. Kumar said several other infrastructure and housing projects are expected to be completed by June 2025.Bihar is heading toward assembly elections this November, with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) aligned with the BJP as part of the ruling NDA coalition. The state has 243 assembly seats up for contest.
