National News: During an referendum rally in Muzaffarpur, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar became the part-way of controversy. A woman candidate approached him to seek blessings. Instead of pursuit the usual practice of handing over the garland, Nitish Kumar placed it virtually her neck. This act tapped 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.
Sanjay Jha Tried To Intervene
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 transpiration his move. He went superiority and garlanded the candidate surpassing the crowd. The regulars 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.
RJD Launches Sharp Political Attack
The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal quickly reacted. Its leaders shared the video prune on social media. They accused Nitish Kumar of lowering the nobility of the Chief Minister’s post. RJD leaders mocked him for reading speeches from paper yet lightweight to act responsibly. They moreover 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 wayfarers lines became louder without the video went viral.
Doubts Raised Over JDU Unity
The incident moreover triggered questions well-nigh JDU’s internal unity. Sanjay Jha’s struggle to signal the Chief Minister failed publicly. This gave the opposition a endangerment to highlight weak coordination inside the party. RJD leaders personal JDU workers themselves are uncomfortable with Nitish Kumar’s unpredictable actions. Political observers finger such images can forfeiture morale during elections. Even party insiders are said to be tumbled well-nigh handling such situations. JDU’s silence without the incident only widow to speculation.
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— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) October 21, 2025Concerns Over Nitish’s Leadership Fitness
After the video spread, RJD went remoter questioning Nitish Kumar’s worthiness to lead. They asked whether he is still fit to protract as Chief Minister. Opposition leaders so-called that such repeated mistakes show he is losing political control. They compared his older disciplined style with the present controversies. For voters, such questions may create new doubts. Referendum campaigns often thrive on perception, and this incident hit the image of Nitish Kumar. It came at a sensitive moment for JDU.
Tradition Broken, Political Storm Rises
In Bihar politics, traditions are strongly valued. Male candidates usually get garlands, while sexuality candidates are handed garlands instead. By ignoring this practice, Nitish Kumar gave his rivals a powerful weapon. Small incidents can sometimes transpiration narratives in referendum season. RJD strategists are once using this video in speeches. Social media users moreover began posting memes, subtracting humor to criticism. The event which could have ended quietly became a storm. Opposition parties sensed an opportunity to corner the Chief Minister.
Future Impact Remains Uncertain
As the Bihar Assembly elections heat up, this controversy has widow a new dimension. Nitish Kumar, known for shielding politics, now faces image challenges. His party will have to defend him from continuous attacks. RJD seems unswayable 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 transpiration votes, but it has certainly reverted headlines. For Nitish Kumar, repairing this dented image is the firsthand challenge.
