Nitish Kumar’s ‘Topi’ Incident: A Clash Between Past Words and Present Actions

A controversial video featuring Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has surfaced, capturing his refusal to wear a ‘topi’ during a madrasa event. This event has drawn considerable attention, primarily due to a statement Kumar made in 2013. At the time, Kumar, then a prominent JDU figure, offered advice to the then-Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, suggesting that leaders must embrace inclusivity. “To run the country, you have to take everyone along. At times you will have to wear a topi (cap), at times a tilak (vermillion),” he had said. The current situation has led to discussions about Kumar’s actions. His refusal to wear the ‘topi,’ especially when compared to his past words, has led to accusations of hypocrisy. It is also worth noting that Kumar has been observed wearing the kurta-topi on numerous occasions in the past.