Patna: As Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar prepares to step away from the state’s top executive office and move to the Rajya Sabha, a debate has emerged in political and public circles about the circumstances surrounding the transition.
While the official narrative emphasises Nitish’s long-held wish to serve in both houses of parliament, political observers point to a series of unusual public incidents over the past two years that have raised questions about the veteran leader’s health and ability to continue managing the demanding role of chief minister.
For nearly two decades, Nitish has been the central figure in Bihar’s politics. But in recent months, multiple moments captured on camera during official events have triggered speculation about his wellbeing and the shifting balance of power within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.
Below are ten widely discussed instances that contributed to the growing debate.
- Hijab Incident At Appointment Ceremony
On December 15, 2025, during an appointment letter distribution ceremony at the Samvad auditorium in the chief minister’s secretariat, Nitish was seen pulling the hijab away from the face of a Muslim woman doctor while handing her the appointment letter.
A video of the moment circulated widely on social media. Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to attempt to intervene, while other officials on stage were seen reacting awkwardly. The episode triggered criticism from opposition leaders and civil society.
- Attempt To Touch Narendra Modi’s Feet At Airport
On November 20, 2025, shortly after taking oath as chief minister for a record tenth term, Nitish attempted to touch the feet of prime minister Narendra Modi at Patna airport while seeing him off.
PM Modi immediately stopped him and raised him back up. The moment drew attention because the gesture is uncommon between two senior political leaders.
- Similar Gesture At NDA Meeting In 2024
A similar episode had occurred earlier on June 7, 2024, during the NDA meeting in Delhi following the Lok Sabha election results, when Nitish also attempted to touch the prime minister’s feet.
- Darbhanga AIIMS Event
Another widely discussed moment took place on November 13, 2024, during the foundation stone ceremony of AIIMS in Darbhanga. After finishing his speech, Nitish again moved towards PM Modi and attempted to touch his feet before being stopped.
Repeated instances of such gestures became the subject of political commentary.
- Flower Pot Placed On Bureaucrat’s Head
During a government event on May 26, 2025, Nitish took a flower pot presented by the then education department additional chief secretary S. Siddharth and briefly placed it on the officer’s head.
Those present on stage appeared amused, but the moment quickly went viral online.
- Behaviour During The National Anthem
At an event at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 20, 2025, Nitish was seen laughing and interacting with journalists while the national anthem was about to begin.
Officials nearby reportedly gestured to him to stand in attention.
- Attempt To Touch Ravi Shankar Prasad’s Feet
At a Holi gathering in Patna on March 15, 2025, Nitish bent down to touch the feet of BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is younger than him.
Prasad immediately stopped the gesture and embraced him instead.
- Clapping At Gandhi Tribute Meeting
On January 30, 2025, during a tribute meeting for Mahatma Gandhi in Patna, Nitish was seen clapping immediately after paying homage at the memorial.
The gesture prompted intervention from senior leaders present at the ceremony.
- Playing With Bracelet In Assembly
On November 30, 2024, the final day of the Bihar assembly’s winter session, Nitish was seen playfully handling the bracelet worn by building construction minister Ashok Choudhary during proceedings inside the house.
The moment again sparked discussion on social media.
- Dussehra Event At Gandhi Maidan
During the Ravana Dahan ceremony at Gandhi Maidan on October 15, 2024, Nitish reportedly discarded the ceremonial bow and arrow that had been handed to him for the traditional symbolic act.
The incident became another example cited by critics questioning his conduct at official events.
Opposition Claims And Health Debate
Leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has repeatedly questioned Nitish’s health, suggesting that the chief minister may be suffering from age-related cognitive issues.
In February, Tejashwi posted on social media that symptoms resembling dementia or Alzheimer’s disease could explain the unusual behaviour, though no medical diagnosis has been publicly confirmed.
Medical experts caution that such conditions can only be determined through clinical evaluation and that public speculation about a person’s health is often unreliable.
A Political Transition
Beyond the health debate, Nitish’s move to the Rajya Sabha also reflects a significant political transition in Bihar.
Within the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party has steadily grown stronger over the past decade, while the Janata Dal (United) has seen its electoral influence fluctuate.
Nitish’s exit from the chief minister’s office could therefore mark not just the end of a long political era but also a shift in the balance of power within the ruling alliance.
For now, the veteran leader insists that his decision is driven by a personal aspiration to serve in the Rajya Sabha — the only legislative chamber he has not yet been part of during his long political career.
Yet the sequence of events leading up to this transition continues to shape the political conversation in Bihar.
