In a stunning political revelation, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to honor Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. This announcement comes amid ongoing speculations about alliances and recognitions in the BJP-led NDA camp.
Manjhi, a key ally and the leader of Hindustani Awam Morcha, made this bold statement during a public address in Patna. He asserted that the decision has already been finalized at the highest levels, and it will catch everyone off guard when officially declared. ‘PM Modi will surprise the nation by conferring the Bharat Ratna on CM Nitish Kumar,’ Manjhi declared, emphasizing the long-standing contributions of Nitish to Bihar’s development.
The timing of this prediction is crucial as Bihar gears up for upcoming assembly elections. Nitish Kumar, who has switched alliances multiple times, rejoined the NDA fold last year after parting ways with the INDIA bloc. This move strengthened the BJP’s position in the state, and the Bharat Ratna could be seen as a strategic endorsement of his leadership.
Political analysts are buzzing with reactions. Some view it as a masterstroke to consolidate NDA’s hold in Bihar, while others question if it’s mere rhetoric to boost morale. Manjhi dismissed skeptics, pointing to Modi’s history of honoring deserving leaders across party lines, like Congress veteran Kar sevak L.K. Advani.
Nitish Kumar’s tenure has been marked by significant infrastructure pushes, prohibition laws, and welfare schemes that transformed Bihar from a ‘BIMARU’ state to one of progress. Supporters argue the Bharat Ratna would be a fitting tribute to his decades-long service.
As whispers grow louder in Delhi’s corridors of power, all eyes are on the PMO for confirmation. If true, this would be the latest in a series of Bharat Ratna awards under Modi’s government, underscoring a legacy of national unity over partisan divides. Bihar’s political landscape could see a seismic shift, with implications rippling across the 2025 polls.
