At a recent government function in Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar once again captured public attention with a gesture that left both officials and onlookers momentarily stunned and later amused. During an appointment letter distribution ceremony held at the Lalit Narayan Mishra Institute, a lighthearted moment took an unexpected turn when the Chief Minister placed a potted plant—traditionally offered as a symbol of respect—on the head of a senior bureaucrat.
The incident occurred when Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, S. Siddharth, handed a sapling to the Chief Minister as a customary welcome. In a spontaneous and rather unusual move, Kumar calmly accepted the plant and then gently placed it on the officer’s head. For a moment, the room fell silent, followed by laughter and curiosity among the attendees. The officer stood composed despite the surprise, while Nitish Kumar remained unfazed, continuing the event as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Soon after, a video clip of the moment surfaced on social media and quickly went viral. The act, while seen by some as harmless and humorous, has reignited debates about Nitish Kumar’s unpredictable public demeanor. Known for his eccentricities on stage, this episode adds to a series of moments where the seasoned politician has deviated from the expected script of formal events.
While supporters view the gesture as a symbolic and perhaps playful act that lightened the mood, critics have called it inappropriate and questioned the tone it sets for official state functions. It has also invited reactions from the political opposition, with members of the RJD remarking off the record that such actions risk undermining the dignity of high office. In particular, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has frequently criticized the Chief Minister for what he sees as a lack of seriousness in governance.
Yet, beyond the memes and political commentary, the moment has sparked a broader conversation about leadership styles and public expectations. For now, the incident stands as a reminder of how even a simple plant can become the center of attention—and how leaders, through intention or impulse, can shift the tone of an entire day with one unexpected gesture.