The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) intensified its assault on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday, unveiling a provocative poster outside the residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi in Patna.

The poster, featuring an animated depiction of Kumar alongside images of BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul and RJD MLA Gopal Mandal, labels the Chief Minister with the slogan, “Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hu Main” (I am not a hero but a villain). It accuses Kumar of disrespecting women, insulting Mahatma Gandhi, and dishonoring the National Anthem, concluding with, “Ji Haan Main Hu Khalnayak” (Yes, I am the villain).

The poster, installed by Sanju Kohli, a former district councilor from Makhdumpur, Jehanabad, follows a viral video from Thursday’s inauguration of the 2025 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Patna. In the footage, Kumar is seen talking to his Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, gesturing animatedly, and greeting someone with folded hands while the National Anthem played—actions the RJD deems disrespectful.

The incident sparked outrage, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav demanding a public apology and questioning Kumar’s mental and physical stability.

The RJD has announced statewide protests and threatened to march to Raj Bhavan on Sunday if Kumar refuses to apologize. The controversy has fueled a political firestorm, with the Opposition leveraging it to challenge the JD(U)-led government ahead of the October 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, JD(U) defends Kumar, highlighting his legacy as a freedom fighter’s son, as tensions continue to rise.