In a political controversy that has sparked outrage across Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced severe criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after abruptly leaving the stage before the national anthem during the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 inauguration at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna on Thursday. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, led to sharp remarks from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who questioned Kumar's mental and physical stability and accused him of "disrespecting the national anthem."

Nitish Kumar’s Unexpected Exit

The incident occurred during the inauguration ceremony of the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025, where around 300 players and support staff from 21 countries including China, Indonesia, Japan, Iran, Nepal, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Brazil, and India are participating. As the event progressed, the moderator announced the playing of the national anthem, prompting everyone to stand. However, Nitish Kumar, 74, suddenly left his seat and began greeting the participants with a "namaste" and a wave, leaving his colleagues and officials visibly surprised.

Officials Brought Kumar Back to the Stage

Amid the confusion, senior officials rushed to bring Kumar back to the dais, and the anthem was eventually played after a few minutes. Though the event resumed smoothly, the unexpected departure by the CM led to an uproar on social media and fueled a political firestorm.

Tejashwi Yadav and RJD Slam Nitish Kumar

RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, were quick to react, accusing Kumar of "disrespecting the national anthem."

• Tejashwi Yadav took to social media, sharing the viral video of the incident and questioning Nitish Kumar’s mental and physical health.
• He stated, "The CM has become physically and mentally unstable. This is a matter of great concern for Bihar. Such behavior at a global event is not only embarrassing but also disrespectful to the national anthem."

Lalu Prasad Joins the Criticism

Lalu Prasad Yadav, RJD supremo, echoed his son’s concerns and criticized Nitish Kumar for "failing to maintain decorum" during an important international event. He accused Kumar of "demeaning the pride of the nation" and called for the people of Bihar to hold their leaders accountable for such actions.

JD(U) Defends Nitish Kumar’s Actions

In response to the allegations, JD(U) leaders defended Nitish Kumar, claiming that the CM had no intention of disrespecting the national anthem. They clarified that:

• Nitish Kumar was merely engaging with the participants and trying to ensure that the event was conducted smoothly.
• JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, "The CM was interacting with the participants and guests to create a friendly and warm environment. There was no intention of showing disrespect to the national anthem. The Opposition is blowing the incident out of proportion for political gains."

Cultural Performance and Mask Incident

Adding to the drama, a cultural performance was also part of the event. During the performance, a performer wearing an animal-head mask approached Nitish Kumar for a handshake.

• Visibly startled by the masked performer, Kumar insisted that the mask be removed before shaking hands.
• JD(U) leaders used this incident to highlight that the CM was "actively participating in the event and ensuring safety protocols".

Political Uproar Over Video Footage

The video of Nitish Kumar’s unexpected exit before the national anthem went viral, triggering a political uproar. While the Opposition termed it a "disrespect to national pride," JD(U) maintained that Kumar’s actions were misunderstood and misrepresented.

Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 Overview

The Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is a prestigious international tournament featuring 300 players and support staff from 21 countries. The event, which kicked off on March 20, 2025, will conclude on March 25, 2025, with matches being held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna.

Opposition Raises Questions About Kumar’s Health

Following the incident, Tejashwi Yadav raised questions about Nitish Kumar’s mental and physical health, alleging that the 74-year-old leader is no longer fit to govern Bihar.

• "The people of Bihar deserve a stable and mentally fit leader. Nitish Kumar’s actions raise serious doubts about his capability to handle important matters of governance," Yadav said.

JD(U) Responds with Counter-Attack

In response, JD(U) leaders lashed out at the Opposition, accusing them of using the incident as a "political stunt".

• Neeraj Kumar said, "The RJD is desperately looking for issues to target Nitish Kumar. They have nothing to offer the people of Bihar except criticism and negativity."

Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage

The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with users expressing mixed reactions.

• Some users criticized Nitish Kumar for his actions, calling it "a moment of shame for Bihar."
• Others defended the CM, stating that "minor lapses should not be politicized."

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Nitish Kumar’s abrupt exit before the national anthem at the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 has added another chapter to Bihar’s heated political landscape. While RJD continues to attack Kumar’s leadership, JD(U) remains firm in its defense, maintaining that the incident was misinterpreted. With the video going viral and the political drama unfolding, the incident is likely to remain a hot topic in Bihar’s political discourse in the coming days.

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