The controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s alleged disrespect for the national anthem resurfaced in the state legislative council on Monday, as RJD legislator Sunil Kumar Singh demanded a "special debate" on the issue.
Raising the matter during the session, Singh sought a two-hour discussion on the incident, arguing that it was a serious issue that required deliberation.
However, Council Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh rejected the request, reprimanding the RJD MLC for attempting to tarnish Bihar’s image at a time when the state was making progress. "You are trying to bring disrepute to Bihar, which is now scaling new heights," the chairman remarked.
Defending his stance, Singh countered, "But sir, it is someone else who has brought disrepute to the state. I am only requesting a debate on the matter." His persistence, however, did not sway the chairman’s decision.
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Interestingly, Singh himself had been expelled from the House last year for allegedly misbehaving with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. However, he was recently reinstated following a Supreme Court order.
The controversy stems from an incident at a public function last week, where Nitish Kumar was reportedly seen smiling and waving at onlookers while the national anthem was being played.
The footage of the incident has since sparked criticism from opposition parties, including the RJD, Congress, and CPI(ML), who argue that the episode is a reflection of Kumar’s deteriorating mental state.
Opposition leaders have used the incident to question Nitish Kumar’s fitness to govern, alleging that his actions demonstrate a lack of seriousness and respect for national symbols. They contend that such behavior is unbecoming of a leader holding the state’s highest office.
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