Sun Mar 23 04:25:13 UTC 2025: ## Manjhi Defends Kumar Amidst National Anthem Controversy

**Gaya, Bihar –** Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has staunchly defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar against allegations of disrespecting the national anthem. Kumar has faced opposition criticism for his conduct during a recent event where he appeared to smile and wave while the anthem played.

Manjhi, speaking in Gaya on Saturday, asserted that there was “nothing objectionable” in Kumar’s behavior and dismissed the criticism as coming from those “new to politics” who shouldn’t be lecturing Kumar on patriotism. He specifically alluded to Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who has recently questioned Kumar’s health.

Manjhi further retorted to a poster by Yadav’s RJD party labeling Kumar a “villain,” stating that the RJD “deserves to be called villains themselves” for their desperate pursuit of power.

This defense comes after a tumultuous history between Manjhi and Kumar. Previously, Manjhi had publicly questioned Kumar’s health and even alleged that he was being poisoned. However, the two reconciled before last year’s Lok Sabha elections, leading to Manjhi’s son joining the state cabinet.

Despite past disagreements, Manjhi expressed confidence in Kumar’s leadership, stating that the NDA aims to win the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections under his leadership. Kumar has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister for 20 years.

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