A brewing political controversy has engulfed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after his actions during the national anthem at a public event sparked outrage across the nation.
The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, March 20, at the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 in Patna’s Pataliputra Sports Complex, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, legal challenges, and widespread public debate as of Sunday, March 23.
What was the incident?
The trouble began when Kumar, a veteran politician and leader of the Janata Dal (United), exhibited what many have called disrespectful behavior during the playing of Jana Gana Mana.
As the anthem commenced, the 74-year-old chief minister was seen leaving the dais abruptly, only to be ushered back by officials. Once onstage, he continued to fidget, laugh, and engage in conversation with his Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, who appeared visibly uncomfortable and attempted to redirect his attention. At one point, Mr. Kumar folded his hands in a greeting gesture toward the audience, further fueling perceptions of inattention.
The event, attended by dignitaries and athletes from 21 countries, was meant to showcase Bihar’s growing stature in international sports. Instead, it has become a flashpoint for political tension, with a video of CM Nitish Kumar’sconduct rapidly circulating online and amplifying the controversy.
Opposition strikes hard
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar’s principal opposition party, seized the moment to lambast Kumar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, a former deputy chief minister, took to social media on March 20, urging Kumar to at least refrain from insulting the national anthem. He accused the chief minister of a pattern of disrespect, citing previous instances like clapping on Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom day, and questioned Kumar’s mental and physical fitness to lead. ‘Bihar deserves better than a leader who cannot stand still for 52 seconds,’ Yadav told reporters outside the state assembly on Friday.
By Saturday, March 22, the RJD escalated its attack, erecting posters outside former Chief Minister Rabri Devi’sresidence in Patna. The posters, emblazoned with the phrase ‘Nayak nahi, khalnayak hoon main’ (I am not a hero, I am a villain), accused Kumar of dishonoring women, Gandhi, and now the national anthem. Rabri Devi herself demanded Kumar’s resignation, suggesting he pass the baton to his son, Nishant Kumar, and warning that the incident could carrylegal consequences under India’s laws protecting national symbols.
Legal and Legislative Fallout
The uproar spilled into the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Friday, March 21, where opposition lawmakers stormed the well of the House, brandishing placards and chanting ‘Rashtra gaan ka apmaan, nahi sahega Hindustan’ (India will not tolerate the insult to the national anthem).
The session was adjourned twice amid the chaos, with Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav struggling to restore order. Outside, RJD supporters staged protests, amplifying their call for an apology.
Adding to CM Nitish Kumar’s woes, a petition was filed against him on March 21 in a Muzaffarpur court by advocate Suraj Kumar. The plea alleges that the chief minister’s actions violated the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which mandates respect during the anthem and prescribes penalties for breaches. The court has scheduled a hearing for March 25, raising the stakes in what could become a landmark case.
Defenders rally behind Nitish Kumar
CM Nitish Kumar’s allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have mounted a spirited defense. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, dismissed the criticism on Saturday, asserting, ‘There’snothing wrong with Nitish Kumar. His 20-year tenure speaks for itself—those new to politics shouldn’t lecture him on respect.’
Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary echoed this sentiment, accusing the opposition of manufacturing a crisis to deflect from their own shortcomings.
The JD(U) has yet to issue an official statement, but party insiders suggest Kumar may address the controversy soon, potentially with an apology to defuse tensions ahead of the assembly’s ongoing session.
Public sentiment and broader implications
Social media reflected a divided public: some decried Kumar’s behavior as unbecoming of a chief minister, whileothers saw it as a minor lapse blown out of proportion by political rivals. The timing is critical, with assembly elections looming later this year, giving the opposition ammunition to challenge Kumar’s leadership credentials.
The row also raises questions about protocol and accountability for public figures. Under Indian law, standing at attention during the national anthem is a mark of respect, though enforcement is rare. Legal experts note that while the petition against Kumar may hold symbolic weight, proving intent to insult—a key element of the 1971 Act—could be challenging.
