In a move that has stirred political circles, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi publicly advocated for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be honoured with the country's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. The demand, made on Saturday, has been met with a swift and clarifying response from Nitish Kumar's own party, the Janata Dal (United).
A Public Endorsement on Social Media
Taking to the social media platform X, the former Bihar Chief Minister and key NDA ally, Jitan Ram Manjhi, expressed his wish in Hindi. His post, which garnered significant attention, roughly translated to: "Bharat Ratna Nitish Kumar Ji… How wonderful it would sound to hear those words, wouldn’t it?" He further expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "We have complete faith that the esteemed Prime Minister Ji, known for stunning everyone with his decisions, will once again leave the nation in awe by deciding to bestow the Bharat Ratna upon Bihar’s esteemed chief minister Nitish Kumar Ji."
Manjhi's push followed a similar, earlier demand from JD(U) leader KC Tyagi, adding momentum to the narrative. However, the situation took a turn within hours.
JD(U) Distances Party from the Demand
The Janata Dal (United) was quick to separate the party's official stance from the personal opinions of its members. Senior JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan Prasad addressed the media on Saturday, clarifying that KC Tyagi's statement was made in a personal capacity and had no connection to the party's official activities or position.
Prasad emphasized that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is in good health and actively leading the state, indirectly dismissing any speculation that the demand for the award was linked to his tenure or legacy. This clear demarcation highlights the cautious approach within the JD(U) regarding such a high-profile endorsement.
Political Implications and Reactions
The episode underscores the complex political dynamics at play. While an NDA ally has publicly praised the Bihar CM, his own party's immediate distancing act suggests an avoidance of any perception of lobbying for awards. The demand for a Bharat Ratna is a significant gesture in Indian politics, often seen as a recognition of lifetime service. Nitish Kumar, a veteran politician known for his shifting alliances and governance in Bihar, remains a central figure. The government's reaction, or lack thereof, to this public demand will be closely watched by political observers.
Ultimately, the call for honouring Nitish Kumar with the Bharat Ratna has sparked a brief but telling political conversation, revealing the nuanced positions of allies and party members in the ever-evolving landscape of Bihar and national politics.
