Nishant Kumar’s yoga session with Bihar CM sparks controversy
A video of Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, performing yoga alongside his father has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and social media users. The clip, which surfaced on social media, shows Nishant leading the chief minister through a series of yoga poses at the official residence. Critics argue that Nishant, who has no official government position, is leveraging his familial ties to gain undue political influence.
Details of the incident
The video was shared widely on platforms like X and Facebook, showing Nishant guiding Nitish Kumar through stretches and breathing exercises. The chief minister, known for his fitness routine, appeared relaxed and followed his son’s instructions. The session reportedly took place early in the morning at the CM’s residence in Patna. While the video was intended to promote wellness, it quickly became a target for opposition parties.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said, “This is a clear example of how the chief minister is promoting his family members. Nishant has no official role, yet he is being shown as a fitness guru to the CM. This is an attempt to project him as a future leader.” The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in alliance with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), has not officially commented on the matter.
Political implications
This is not the first time Nishant Kumar has been in the spotlight. He has previously accompanied his father on official visits and been seen at public events. Political analysts suggest that Nitish Kumar, who has no other children, may be grooming Nishant for a political career. However, the chief minister has publicly stated that his son is not interested in politics and is focused on his business ventures.
“Nishant’s appearance in such videos only fuels speculation about dynastic politics in Bihar,” said political commentator Rajesh Mishra. “While yoga is a personal activity, the optics of a son guiding his father, the chief minister, in a public video are bound to be interpreted politically.” The video has also sparked debates on social media, with hashtags like #NishantKumar and #BiharCM trending.
Reactions from the public
Many social media users criticized the video, calling it a publicity stunt. One user wrote, “Nitish Kumar should focus on governance, not yoga with his son.” Another commented, “This is how dynasties are built—one yoga session at a time.” However, some defended the chief minister, saying it was a private moment that was unnecessarily politicized. “Every father has the right to spend time with his son. Why is everything political?” a supporter posted.
The video has also drawn comparisons to other political families in India, where children of leaders often face scrutiny for their public appearances. In response to the backlash, the chief minister’s office has not issued any statement, and the video remains on social media.
