North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: It is a challenge even for the most knowledgeable people to understand what happens in the politics of Bihar. But these days the news which is echoing from the streets of Patna to the corridors of Delhi is no less than a big political blast. The issue is the demand to give ‘Bharat Ratna’ to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This issue is not being raised only from within JDU, but now the strong leader of NDA and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has also joined this voice.
After all, what did Jitan Ram Manjhi say?
Recently, KC Tyagi had demanded the country’s highest civilian honor for Nitish Kumar. Soon after, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supported him and said, “If anyone has really worked to change the fortunes of the poor, Dalits and backward classes at the grassroots level, it is Nitish Kumar.” Manjhi argues that the way he has fought for women empowerment (bicycles, uniforms for girl students) and against social evils, he is a strong contender for Bharat Ratna.
Not just the work, the message is also deep
If seen, this is not just a demand, but can also be a part of the changing political chemistry in Bihar. The relationship between Jitan Ram Manjhi and Nitish Kumar has been full of ups and downs in history. In such a situation, Manjhi standing in support of Nitish shows that this time the coordination within the alliance is very strong.
What do the general public and the opposition camp say?
While JDU and HAM supporters are calling it an issue of ‘respect’, the opposition parties are seeing it as an election stunt. Debate has also erupted on social media. Some say that Nitish Kumar’s contribution towards making Bihar self-reliant is really commendable, while others call it an attempt to strengthen his claim by opening old files.
Why is this demand being raised again and again?
Nitish Kumar’s supporters consider the bold decisions taken by him like prohibition, water-life-greenery and women’s reservation as his biggest achievements. He says that a leader remaining corruption-free after being in power for decades is an example in itself and on this basis he should get this honour.
What will happen next?
Bharat Ratna is decided by the government and its special committees, but the way big leaders of Bihar are joining this campaign, it will definitely increase psychological pressure on the central government. Will this demand show any new color in the politics of 2026? Will Nitish Babu, who is called ‘Development Man’, really get this honour?
Only time and Delhi’s decisions will answer this, but at the moment this news in Bihar has definitely made everyone ‘alert’.
