Bihar Minister's Salute at Flag-Hoisting Sparks Political Criticism
Patna: A video showing Bihar's Health Minister Nishant Kumar saluting during a flag-hoisting ceremony has triggered a political controversy, with the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) mocking the gesture.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, captures Kumar raising his hand in a salute as the national flag is being hoisted. The RJD, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioned the action, asking, “Who is the health minister saluting?” The post implied that the salute appeared directed at something or someone other than the flag, though no further elaboration was provided.
Kumar, a leader of the Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), which is part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, has not yet publicly responded to the criticism. Officials in the health department declined to comment on the matter, stating that the controversy was political in nature.
The incident has added to the ongoing verbal sparring between the ruling coalition and the opposition in Bihar, particularly between the JD-U and the RJD. Political analysts note that such exchanges are common ahead of elections, but they also highlight the increasing use of social media to target political figures.
Neither the video's date nor the specific event at which Kumar made the gesture has been independently verified. This report is based on the RJD’s post and media coverage of the incident.
