Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has thrown his weight behind the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Manjhi’s public endorsement echoes earlier sentiments expressed by veteran Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi, suggesting a coordinated push from certain quarters of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to elevate the Chief Minister to the nation’s highest civilian honour.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Manjhi described Nitish Kumar as a “true son of the soil" who has dedicated over two decades to the social and economic transformation of Bihar. He argued that Kumar’s pioneering work in women’s empowerment through the “Jeevika" self-help groups and the implementation of total prohibition—which Manjhi characterised as a bold social reform—merits the same recognition recently afforded to the late Karpoori Thakur. Manjhi’s support is seen as a strategic olive branch to his former mentor, following a period of public friction between the two leaders over Dalit politics in the state.
However, the demand has created a curious friction within the JD(U) itself. While KC Tyagi had sparked the conversation by highlighting Kumar’s “clean image and long-term administrative service", the party’s official leadership has sought to distance itself from the remarks. Senior JD(U) leaders, including party president Sanjay Jha, have maintained that while the Chief Minister is undoubtedly deserving of every accolade, the party is not officially lobbying for the award. This cautious stance is likely intended to avoid the perception of political opportunism or creating a rift with the BJP, which controls the central committee responsible for Bharat Ratna recommendations.
The timing of this demand is particularly significant given the current political climate in Bihar. Following the conferment of the Bharat Ratna on socialist icon Karpoori Thakur in 2024, there has been an unspoken competition amongst regional leaders to claim his legacy. By advocating for Kumar, allies like Manjhi are attempting to consolidate the “Mahadalit" and “Extremely Backward Class" (EBC) vote banks under a unified banner of regional pride. Political observers suggest that while the JD(U) may be officially distancing itself from Tyagi’s comments to maintain a humble public posture, the underlying message to the BJP leadership is clear: the recognition of Nitish Kumar’s legacy is a key expectation of its most vital regional partner.
