Bihar’s political circles are abuzz after Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi forecasted a major honor for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—the Bharat Ratna from PM Narendra Modi. In a Patna speech, Manjhi revealed the surprise is imminent, catching allies and foes alike unprepared.
Detailing the context, Manjhi praised Nitish’s role in Bihar’s renaissance through initiatives like ‘Saat Nishchay’ and robust law enforcement. ‘Modi ji respects true contributors; Nitish ji’s Bharat Ratna is confirmed,’ he affirmed, linking it to NDA’s strengthened Bihar front post-Nitish’s return.
This prediction arrives against a backdrop of Nitish’s alliance switches, most recently ditching RJD for BJP in January 2024. Such fluidity has defined Bihar politics, yet Nitish’s development record remains undisputed, with GDP growth outpacing national averages.
Opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav mocked the claim as ‘daydreaming,’ but Manjhi stood firm, invoking Modi’s awards to non-BJP icons. The Bharat Ratna, instituted in 1954, has been conferred 50 times, often posthumously, making this a rare living honor.
Strategically, it bolsters Nitish’s image ahead of polls, potentially swaying undecided voters. PM Modi’s administration has accelerated such awards, honoring figures like Chaudhary Charan Singh recently.
As anticipation builds, this could mark a new chapter in center-state synergy. Manjhi’s words remind us how awards can bridge divides, fostering a narrative of collective progress in India’s diverse democracy.