Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently sparked outrage after being caught on camera laughing and chatting during the national anthem at a sports event in Patna. This incident occurred during the inauguration of the SepakTakraw World Cup, where Kumar was seen conversing with his Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, while the anthem played. The video quickly went viral, leading to significant backlash from opposition leaders and citizens alike.
Just imagine if he was Congress leader
Just imagine if he was Samajwadi leader
Just imagine if he was any Muslim leader
BJP IT Cell would have labeled Nitish Kumar as anti national for disrespecting the Indian national anthem 😭👏 pic.twitter.com/suJoVpZKxX— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) March 20, 2025
The Incident
During the event, as the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" was performed, Nitish Kumar appeared to ignore the solemnity of the moment. Instead of standing still and showing respect, he was seen tapping Deepak Kumar on the shoulder and smiling while gesturing towards people in the audience. This behavior was particularly noticeable as other dignitaries present stood in attention, creating a stark contrast to Kumar's actions. Deepak Kumar even attempted to pull at the Chief Minister's sleeve to get him to stop moving, but Kumar continued his conversation.
Political Reactions
The backlash was swift. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in Bihar and a prominent figure from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), condemned Kumar's actions as disrespectful to both the state and nation. He expressed his shame over the incident and called for an apology from Kumar. Yadav tweeted: "At least please do not insult the national anthem, Hon'ble Chief Minister," emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable for someone in his position.
Other opposition leaders echoed these sentiments, with some even questioning Kumar's mental stability. Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi went so far as to label him "mentally unfit" for office. The RJD organized protests both inside and outside the Bihar Assembly, demanding accountability from Kumar and calling for a discussion on his alleged disrespect towards national symbols.
Importance of the National Anthem
The national anthem of India holds great significance as it represents unity and pride among its citizens. Written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, "Jana Gana Mana" is more than just a song; it embodies the spirit of India and its diverse culture. During public events, it is customary for individuals to stand in attention and refrain from talking or moving while the anthem is played. This conduct is not only a mark of respect but also a reflection of national pride.
Disrespecting the national anthem can have serious implications under Indian law. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, outlines penalties for actions deemed disrespectful towards national symbols, including the anthem. Therefore, Kumar's actions have raised concerns about his adherence to these protocols.
Public Sentiment
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Many citizens took to social media platforms to express their dismay at Kumar's behavior. Videos of the incident circulated widely, leading to discussions about respect for national symbols in leadership roles. Comments ranged from disappointment in Kumar's lack of decorum to calls for his resignation.
As Bihar approaches assembly elections later this year, this incident could have significant political repercussions for Kumar and his party, Janata Dal (United). The opposition has seized this opportunity to question his fitness for leadership and rally support against him.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar's actions during the national anthem have ignited a political firestorm in Bihar. As leaders call for accountability and citizens express their outrage, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national symbols. The national anthem is not just a song; it is a representation of India's unity and heritage. For leaders like Kumar, upholding this respect is essential in maintaining public trust and dignity in governance.
In light of these events, it remains crucial for political figures to embody the values they represent, especially when it comes to matters as significant as the national anthem. As discussions continue around this incident, it will be interesting to see how it impacts Bihar's political landscape in the coming months.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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