'His signature might be misused': Congress echoes oppn concerns over Nitish Kumar’s health

NEW DLEHI: The Congress has raised concerns over Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s health and the state’s fiscal condition, calling for a change in government. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday alleged that Kumar’s deteriorating health has left him unaware of the state’s affairs, warning that his signature “might be misused by those who have vested interest.”
"His (CM's) signature might be misused by those who have vested interest," Khera added.
Addressing a press conference in Patna, Khera launched the slogan ‘Sarkar Badlo, Bihar Badlo’ (Change government, change Bihar), claiming that governance and development in the state have come to a standstill under the NDA. “The fiscal state of Bihar and the deteriorating health condition of the CM are matters of serious concern. We wish him well, but the current state of Bihar raises serious questions. How safe is Bihar under the leadership of an unwell CM? His health was fine when he was with the Grand Alliance. After joining hands with the BJP last year, his condition deteriorated,” Khera claimed.

The Congress leader also cited a CAG report to claim that malnutrition among children in Bihar is rising, while government hospitals are facing acute shortages of doctors and medicines. “Bihar needs to be changed, and for that, the current government needs to be removed. We will present a detailed X-ray of the Bihar government before the people. It will tell how the government failed,” he said.

Meanwhile, political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor intensified his criticism of Nitish Kumar, questioning his mental capacity and demanding his resignation. Kishor accused Kumar of losing administrative control and alleged that the CM is “physically exhausted and mentally incapable of governance.”
“The first person to comment on Nitish Kumar's health was his ally, Sushil Kumar Modi. Since then, many Bihar ministers have spoken about his condition. I never commented on it until January. But during the BPSC protests, I realized that Nitish Kumar's mental condition has deteriorated so much that he has no clue about what's happening in the state,” Kishor told ANI.

His remarks come after a viral video showed Kumar conversing with the chief secretary during the national anthem, drawing criticism from opposition leaders. RJD chief Lalu Prasad condemned the act, stating, “India will not stand the insult of the national anthem.”
Kishor also accused the BJP of using Kumar as a “mask” to stay in power. “The BJP deserves equal blame because it’s not possible that the Prime Minister or Home Minister are unaware that Nitish Kumar is mentally unfit,” he said.
Despite the growing criticism, Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant and JD(U) leaders have dismissed speculation about his health. Nishant maintained that his father is “100 percent fit” and capable of continuing as chief minister.