Patna, Bihar – Former Bihar Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has publicly advocated for the conferral of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, upon current Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Manjhi formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider Kumar for the prestigious award, citing his decades of service to the state and his contributions to social justice.
Manjhi’s plea comes amidst a period of shifting political alignments in Bihar. Following the recent political upheaval that saw Kumar sever ties with the grand alliance (Mahagathbandhan) comprising Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, and subsequently rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manjhi has been a vocal supporter of the renewed coalition. He emphasized Kumar’s crucial role in implementing pro-minority policies and his commitment to uplifting the marginalized sections of society.
Political Context & CM Kumar’s Tenure
Nitish Kumar’s political journey spans several decades, marked by periods of governance focused on development, social harmony, and good governance. He has served as Chief Minister of Bihar for multiple terms, helming both NDA and Mahagathbandhan governments. Supporters point to improvements in law and order, infrastructure development, and education during his tenures as evidence of his positive impact. Critics, however, have highlighted concerns regarding corruption and the persistence of social inequalities.
This renewed push for a Bharat Ratna for Kumar is perceived by many as a gesture of political goodwill from the NDA, aimed at solidifying the coalition after Kumar’s unexpected switch. The timing of the request is particularly significant, given the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the importance of Bihar’s electorate. Manjhi’s HAM holds a small but potentially influential number of seats in the Bihar assembly and its support is vital to the NDA’s prospects.
The Bihar political landscape has been volatile in recent months. Kumar’s decision to abandon the Mahagathbandhan, despite previously indicating his commitment, raised eyebrows and triggered scrutiny from opposition parties. He cited a lack of cooperation from alliance partners and concerns over the direction of the coalition as reasons for his departure. The BJP quickly welcomed Kumar back into the fold, and he was sworn in as Chief Minister alongside representatives from the BJP and HAM.
While the Prime Minister’s Office has not yet issued a statement regarding Manjhi’s request, political analysts believe the recommendation will be given due consideration. The Bharat Ratna is typically awarded on Republic Day, and nominations are evaluated by a committee comprising eminent citizens. The political ramifications of awarding the Bharat Ratna to Nitish Kumar are likely to be felt across the entire spectrum of Indian politics. The RJD has already dismissed the request as politically motivated, claiming Kumar’s actions do not warrant such an honour.
The question remains whether Prime Minister Modi will accede to the request and whether the move will significantly influence the political narrative in Bihar and beyond. The decision will undoubtedly be a subject of intense debate and speculation in the coming weeks.
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