In a significant political development, a fresh demand has been raised to confer India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The proposal was publicly voiced by two notable political figures: former Bihar Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, and senior Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi.
Leaders Laud Nitish Kumar's Contributions
The calls for honouring Nitish Kumar emerged on Friday, January 10, 2025. Jitan Ram Manjhi, who once succeeded Kumar as Chief Minister, made a strong pitch, stating that Kumar's work in governance and social justice makes him a worthy recipient. Manjhi emphasized that Kumar's efforts in empowering women through education and self-help groups, along with his initiatives in prohibition and overall development, stand out as remarkable achievements.
Echoing similar sentiments, JD(U) national spokesperson K.C. Tyagi presented a detailed argument. He highlighted Kumar's long political career and his role as a key architect of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Tyagi pointed to Kumar's unwavering commitment to secularism and socialism, principles he has upheld despite various political challenges. He also credited Kumar with playing a pivotal role in forming a robust opposition front against the Congress in the past.
JD(U) Maintains Strategic Distance
Despite the proposals coming from within its own ranks and allies, the Janata Dal (United) leadership has chosen to maintain a cautious and diplomatic distance. The party has not officially endorsed or pushed the demand forward. This strategic silence is seen as an attempt to avoid any perception of the party lobbying for its own leader, which could be politically counterproductive. The JD(U)'s stance indicates a preference for such an honour to be considered on its own merit by the central government, rather than being a subject of public campaigning.
The context of this demand is particularly interesting. It comes at a time when the Bharat Ratna has recently been awarded to other veteran political figures, sparking discussions about recognition for regional stalwarts. Furthermore, Nitish Kumar's recent political moves, including his return to the NDA fold in 2022, have kept him at the centre of national political discourse.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The proposal, while not new in spirit, has reignited conversations about Kumar's legacy. Supporters argue that his tenure has transformed Bihar's infrastructure, law and order, and social landscape. Critics, however, often point to his frequent political shifts. The demand places the spotlight back on Kumar's administrative record as his most significant asset.
For now, the ball is not in JD(U)'s court. The decision to award a Bharat Ratna rests solely with the Government of India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), JD(U)'s major ally in Bihar and at the Centre, has not commented on the suggestions made by Manjhi and Tyagi. This makes the future of this proposal uncertain. It remains to be seen whether this demand gains wider traction or fades away as a topic of political conversation.
Ultimately, the calls for a Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar underscore his enduring influence in Bihar politics and his complex role on the national stage. Whether this translates into the country's highest honour is a decision that awaits the political and diplomatic considerations of the central government in New Delhi.
