Opposition questions Nitish's health and control

As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's recent erratic public conduct recurs, the Opposition RJD-Congress-Left alliance has decided to publicly raise concerns over the Chief Minister's "well-being" and its "worrisome fallout" on government accountability in the poll-bound state. They are also demanding to know "who exactly is running the show" in the state government, with these questions expected to dominate the run-up to the year-end Assembly elections, Opposition leaders said.

"RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav has expressed concern not only about the current state of Bihar's administration but also about Nitish Kumar's well-being.Who exactly is in control? And who is running the Bihar government? The fact that a group of people, including some bureaucrats, appear to be making decisions behind the scenes raises fundamental questions on government accountability," RJD MP Manoj Jha told ET.

Kumar, 74, founder leader of Janata Dal (United) and one of Bihar's most seasoned politicians with a record two-decade stint as Chief Minister, has lately kept a very low profile, with limited public appearances amid growing speculation about his health. Some of his recent rare public engagements were marked by gaffes on stage.


Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar said in the 'BIMARU' state of Bihar, the Chief Minister is said to have become 'bimar' (unwell). "The manner in which the Bihar government is being run is a matter of concern. The future of Bihar cannot be left to such uncertain leadership," Anwar said.

Having built a significant social-electoral base and making JDU a key player in the BJP-RJD contest over the last 20 years, political circles in Bihar are closely watching how Kumar's off-colour presence will impact the upcoming Assembly elections.