BJP wary of Nitish Kumar's 'erratic behaviour', fears it will give ammo to opposition before Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: As Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar continues with his unpredictable and "erratic" behaviour, a section of BJP is worried about the repercussions of his "poor health", even as the party remains firm on contesting the assembly polls due this year under his leadership.
In a fresh controversy, Kumar abruptly got off the stage when the announcement for the national anthem was made after the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup in Patna on Thursday and began exchanging pleasantries with the participants. Later, when the national anthem was played, he stood smiling and waving at bystanders.
Kumar came under heavy opposition fire in both Houses of the state legislature for disrespecting the national anthem. His latest act led to much mirth and has given fodder to opposition parties, RJD and Congress, to exploit in the upcoming state polls, arguing he can't be given another term in view of his health condition.
BJP, sources said, is confident of winning another term alongside JDU and LJP, but the party's worry is that Kumar's unexpected behaviour in the public glare has often given openings to opponents.

The party, however, believes Kumar continues to be a valuable partner, and the memories of RJD's "jungle raj" will blunt any possibility of "anti-incumbency". Moreover, Kumar is credited with good governance and raising the bar in terms of performance which, BJP insiders feel, will help the alliance win another term.
Of late, Kumar's behaviour has not followed a consistent pattern; there have been days when no mishaps took place and he appeared to be in control, like during his 'Pragati Yatra', even though he was in the public glare for several days. But there have been odd days when Kumar behaved in a manner that his opponents derided him, and his supporters found difficult to justify. "We hope that Nitish Kumar will overcome his on-off ways," a BJP functionary said.
On questions raised by opposition parties on Kumar's fitness, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said it would not be appropriate for him to comment on any neta's health. "One can talk about political fitness, and everyone knows who is the most politically unfit leader," he said in a swipe at Congress's Rahul Gandhi.