Credit:Top Indian News ( )
National News: During an election rally in Muzaffarpur, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar became the center of controversy. A woman candidate approached him to seek blessings. Instead of following the usual practice of handing over the garland, Nitish Kumar placed it around her neck. This act broke the tradition followed for decades in Bihar politics.
The moment was captured on camera. The video spread widely on social media platforms within minutes. People began sharing opinions with sharp criticism. What looked simple soon turned into a heated political issue.
JDU working president Sanjay Jha, who was present on the stage, noticed the unusual step. As Nitish Kumar moved closer to the candidate, Jha gestured with his hand signaling him to stop. Despite this signal, Nitish Kumar did not change his move. He went ahead and garlanded the candidate before the crowd. The audience clapped but leaders on stage looked tense. The moment showed visible discomfort within JDU. For Sanjay Jha, the incident became a difficult situation to explain later.
The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal quickly reacted. Its leaders shared the video clip on social media. They accused Nitish Kumar of lowering the dignity of the Chief Minister’s post. RJD leaders mocked him for reading speeches from paper yet failing to act responsibly. They also said his party workers looked helpless while he ignored their advice. By targeting both Nitish Kumar and Sanjay Jha, RJD tried to expose cracks within JDU. Their campaign lines became louder after the video went viral.
The incident also triggered questions about JDU’s internal unity. Sanjay Jha’s attempt to signal the Chief Minister failed publicly. This gave the opposition a chance to highlight weak coordination inside the party. RJD leaders claimed JDU workers themselves are uncomfortable with Nitish Kumar’s unpredictable actions. Political observers feel such images can damage morale during elections. Even party insiders are said to be confused about handling such situations. JDU’s silence after the incident only added to speculation.
ई गजब आदमी है भाई!!! 😀
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) October 21, 2025
मुख्यमंत्री जी अगर स्वस्थ है तो लिखा हुआ भाषण पढ़ ऐसी हरकतें क्यों कर रहे है? #Bihar pic.twitter.com/Xhit9l37Ib
After the video spread, RJD went further questioning Nitish Kumar’s ability to lead. They asked whether he is still fit to continue as Chief Minister. Opposition leaders alleged that such repeated mistakes show he is losing political control. They compared his earlier disciplined style with the present controversies. For voters, such questions may create new doubts. Election campaigns often thrive on perception, and this incident hit the image of Nitish Kumar. It came at a sensitive moment for JDU.
In Bihar politics, traditions are strongly valued. Male candidates usually get garlands, while female candidates are handed garlands instead. By ignoring this practice, Nitish Kumar gave his rivals a powerful weapon. Small incidents can sometimes change narratives in election season. RJD strategists are already using this video in speeches. Social media users also began posting memes, adding humor to criticism. The event which could have ended quietly became a storm. Opposition parties sensed an opportunity to corner the Chief Minister.
As the Bihar Assembly elections heat up, this controversy has added a new dimension. Nitish Kumar, known for careful politics, now faces image challenges. His party will have to defend him from continuous attacks. RJD seems determined to use this incident till polling day. Political experts say voters in Bihar often notice small gestures of leaders. The garland controversy may or may not change votes, but it has certainly changed headlines. For Nitish Kumar, repairing this dented image is the immediate challenge.
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