In Latest Gaffe, Nitish Kumar Mixes Up PM Modi With Ex-PM Vajpayee At Bihar Rally

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 19:16 IST

While addressing a public gathering in Rohtas district, Nitish Kumar was elaborating about several developmental works in state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting, in Rohtas district (PTI)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, already under public scrutiny over several slip-ups and gaffe, caught public’s attention on Friday when he mixed up Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name, in his presence, with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in an event in Patna.

While addressing a public gathering in Rohtas district, Kumar was elaborating about several developmental works in state. While speaking, he mixed up PM Modi’s name with Vajpayee. Realising the error, he quickly attempted to recover, and asked the crowd to stand and “pranam" PM Modi, who was on stage.

PM Modi In Bihar

PM Modi on Friday launched development projects worth more than Rs 48,520 crore in Bihar’s Karakat.

The PM, who arrived in Patna on a two-day visit to the state on Thursday, inaugurated the four-laning of the Patna–Gaya–Dobhi section of NH–22, worth around Rs 5,520 crore and four-laning of the elevated highway and grade improvements at Gopalganj Town on NH–27 at a function here. Modi dedicated to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar – Mohammad Ganj, worth over Rs 1,330 crore, among others.

The PM also laid the foundation stone for the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-II (3×800 MW) worth over Rs 29,930 crore in Aurangabad district, which will aim at ensuring energy security for Bihar and eastern India.

Nitish Kumar’s Previous Gaffe

The latest incident was an addition to a growing list of incidents that have raised concerns over Kumar’s public conduct.

Earlier this week, Kumar stunned the attendees at an appointment letter distribution ceremony in Patna by placing a welcome plant on the head of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) S Siddhartha.

Kumar’s unique style at the Lalit Narayan Mishra Institute had left officials and attendees both surprised and amused, triggering laughter across the venue. The moment caught everyone off guard, including ACS Siddhartha, who appeared visibly surprised.

Nitish Kumar’s spontaneous and unconventional gestures have frequently drawn public attention, with his offbeat behaviour over the years earning him a reputation for moments that often go viral.

In March, Kumar abruptly left the stage ahead of the national anthem during the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup in Patna.

In November last year, he made an attempt to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet at a public event in Darbhanga.

News politics In Latest Gaffe, Nitish Kumar Mixes Up PM Modi With Ex-PM Vajpayee At Bihar Rally