Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar marked his 75th birthday on Sunday amid a wave of greetings from across the political spectrum, while party workers renewed their demand that he be conferred the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the state’s development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended birthday wishes, highlighting the development initiatives undertaken under Kumar’s leadership in Bihar. He expressed hope for the chief minister’s continued good health and service to the people.
Leaders from various political parties, including members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition figures, joined in conveying their greetings, underscoring Kumar’s enduring presence in state and national politics.
Celebrations Across Bihar
In Patna and other districts, Janata Dal (United) workers organised multiple programmes to celebrate the occasion. At the party office in the state capital, supporters cut cakes and distributed sweets. Religious rituals, including puja and havan, were performed at prominent temples to pray for the chief minister’s well-being.
In his native village, Kalyan Bigha, locals held special events marking the milestone birthday. Ministers and party leaders also hosted blood donation camps and community service initiatives as part of the celebrations.
A 75-pound cake was ceremonially cut at one of the events, symbolising Kumar completing 75 years. Supporters described the day as one of pride for Bihar, crediting him with transforming the state’s governance and infrastructure landscape.
Family Visits Temples for Prayers
Kumar’s son Nishant visited prominent temples in Patna to offer prayers for his father’s long life and good health. After performing rituals, he returned to the chief minister’s official residence and sought his father’s blessings.
Speaking briefly to the media outside a temple, Nishant expressed gratitude and said the family was thankful for the blessings and good wishes pouring in from across the country.
Bharat Ratna Demand Resurfaces
Amid the celebrations, JD(U) leaders and workers reiterated their demand that Nitish Kumar be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. They argued that his contributions to Bihar’s development, governance reforms, and social welfare schemes merit national recognition.
Party functionaries claimed that Kumar’s leadership brought improvements in roads, education, law and order, and women’s empowerment in the state. They maintained that his tenure marked a significant shift in Bihar’s growth trajectory.
However, there has been no official response from the Centre regarding the demand. The Bharat Ratna is conferred by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, as outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (mha.gov.in).
Greetings from Across States
Chief ministers from other states also conveyed their wishes. Messages of goodwill came from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting Kumar’s long-standing ties across regional political lines.
Even opposition leaders in Bihar extended birthday greetings, wishing him good health. The bipartisan tone of the day’s messages stood out in an otherwise competitive political environment.
Nitish Kumar, one of Bihar’s longest-serving chief ministers, has played a pivotal role in coalition politics at the national level. Over the years, he has alternated alliances but consistently maintained a focus on governance in the state.
Political Significance at 75
As Nitish Kumar enters his 76th year, political observers say the milestone carries symbolic importance. With Bihar remaining a key state in national politics, Kumar’s experience and strategic positioning continue to draw attention.
Supporters describe him as an architect of modern Bihar, while critics often debate his shifting political alliances. Yet, his administrative record and longevity in office remain central to discussions about his legacy.
For now, the focus remains on celebration and reflection. Whether the renewed call for a Bharat Ratna gathers momentum at the national level remains to be seen, but within Bihar, the 75th birthday has clearly become both a festive and politically resonant occasion.
