M I Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Speculation over 73-year-old Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s mental and physical well-being has been circulating for months but intensified following a widely publicised incident in which he placed a flowerpot on the head of a senior IAS officer at an official function. The unusual act gave fresh ammunition to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Opposition, which claims Kumar is no longer fit – physically or mentally – to continue as chief minister.
Leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United), however, dismissed the concerns and insisted Kumar is “healthy and fully capable” of leading the NDA into the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The recent flowerpot episode, where Kumar placed a gifted pot on the head of Additional Chief Secretary (Education), S. Siddharth, was caught on camera and went viral on social media.
However, it was not an isolated incident. Top bureaucrats and senior leaders of the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA – a coalition of the JD-U, the BJP and other smaller regional parties) found the incident unsurprising. They suggested it has become a new norm in Kumar’s public conduct.
The chief minister, in recent months, has stunned observers with a series of unconventional gestures at public events that further fuelled suspicions about his deteriorating health.
In March 2025, the chief minister was seen putting his arm around a woman’s shoulder at a function and attempting to touch another woman at a different event. Both incidents drew criticism from Opposition parties questioning his mental fitness.
During the same month, he was also seen smiling, laughing and waving during the national anthem – a gesture the RJD termed “an insult to the nation” and demanded an apology.
Earlier in January, Kumar faced backlash for a comment claiming that “women were not wearing clothes in the past”. The remarks was in contrast to his record of implementing women-centric policies.
At an another event, after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Martyr’s Day, Kumar suddenly began clapping – leaving many in the audience visibly embarrassed.
Observers noted that this behavior is Kumar’s departure from the image he cultivated over the decades as a reserved, dignified and image-conscious leader.
Kumar – in recent years – has been repeatedly seen bowing, folding hands and even attempting to touch the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leaders like Ravi Shankar Prasad and even junior officials. These acts are unusual for a leader of his stature. A BJP leader recalled Kumar’s attempt to touch the feet of former BJP MP R.K. Sinha and Prasad, who is younger than him, at a Patna event in March 2025. He called it “surprising and awkward”.
In 2023, Kumar was also criticised for what was widely described as a “vulgar” speech on sex education in the state assembly, including controversial remarks directed at women that sparked condemnation and raised concerns over his mental state.
During the COVID-19 period and afterward, Kumar hit headlines for a series of controversial remarks and conduct, including harsh and inappropriate language aimed at Opposition leaders, particularly women like former Chief Minister Rabri Devi.
Silence, Denial and Concerns Within JD(U)
Although party leaders publicly maintain that Kumar is in good health, sources within the JD(U) and the state bureaucracy privately admit the concern. “He is not the same Nitish Kumar. He used to be polished, careful and sophisticated. Now, there is a noticeable change,” a bureaucrat told TwoCircles.net on strict condition of anonymity.
A former JD(U) leader and a senior RJD leader, both once close to Kumar, hinted that he might be suffering from dementia. “He has been showing symptoms of some serious health issues,” they said without wishing to be named.
Even some family members reportedly acknowledge, off the record, that Kumar is undergoing therapy and Ayurvedic treatment. “Yes, Nitishji has been behaving differently. He was known to be image-conscious and careful but that has changed. Still, he remains in control of all party and government decisions. Nothing moves without his approval,” said a family member with access to 1 Anne Marg, the Bihar chief minister’s official residence.
Political Fallout
Despite these developments, the JD(U) insists Kumar will continue to be the NDA’s face for the 2025 elections. The party’s chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “There is no alternative to Nitish Kumar. He will remain chief minister after the 2025 polls.”
But not everyone is convinced. Former JD(U) President R.C.P. Singh said, “He has no control over administration or politics. His health is declining, and so is his influence.”
A senior JD(U) leader too admitted anonymously, “Nitishji is no longer the same. His recent behaviour is hard to explain. While we may have doubts, there is confidence that he will lead us into the next election.”
Kumar’s behavior is causing unease within the BJP, which has heavily relied on his “clean” image since the mid-1990s to defeat RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav. A leader from the saffron party noted with Kumar’s image has becoming a liability, the party may move quickly to sideline him post-elections.
“A few years ago, BJP leaders were already demanding the CM post for their party, claiming Kumar’s popularity had declined. His ‘sushasan’ (good governance) image has taken a hit due to deteriorating law and order and waning political credibility,” said a political watcher.
Political analyst Soroor Ahmad said, “Despite concerns, the BJP has no choice but to contest under Kumar’s leadership. There is no other face in Bihar with his stature, even if his behavior has caused panic and confusion within the NDA.”
Opposition leaders have been vocal: “Kumar appears unfit physically and mentally. He needs urgent medical attention,” they assert.
Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party and a former election strategist, said, “Nitish Kumar’s mental health is deteriorating. PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are aware of it, but they are silent for the sake of votes.”
Whether ailing or not, Nitish Kumar’s repeated “unusual” public conduct is no longer a private matter. With elections nearing, questions about his mental fitness are poised to become a key campaign issue and a potential flashpoint between his allies and adversaries alike.