The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) unleashed a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday, accusing him of disrespecting the national anthem during an event in Patna and shaming the state. The controversy erupted after a viral video from Thursday’s Sepaktakraw World Cup inauguration at Pataliputra Sports Complex showed Kumar talking, laughing, and gesturing while the anthem played, prompting outrage from the opposition.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, speaking outside the Bihar Assembly, called the incident “shameful,” saying, “Nitish Kumar is a senior leader we respect, but his actions insulted the national anthem and Bihar’s pride.” RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav echoed this on X, posting, “India won’t tolerate this disrespect. Bihar is ashamed—what’s left now?” The party staged protests, with legislators displaying posters and raising slogans against Kumar, alleging his behavior reflected mental instability. Former CM Rabri Devi demanded his resignation, suggesting his son take over.

The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Kumar’s party, swiftly countered the criticism. Sources indicated Kumar might issue an apology to defuse the row, while NDA ally Jitan Ram Manjhi defended him, arguing, “Those who tarnished Bihar’s name under RJD rule now question Nitish, who restored its honor.” JD(U) leaders dismissed the uproar as political opportunism, with one insider noting, “This is a distraction from RJD’s failures.”

The video showed Kumar engaging with his Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, who tried to steady him, amplifying the opposition’s narrative of a “disoriented” leader. RJD MP Manoj Jha questioned the leniency, asking, “What if it were anyone else?” As assembly elections loom later this year, the incident has escalated tensions between the rival factions, with Bihar’s political landscape heating up.