In a notable display of respect, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar once again attempted to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet during a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs meeting in Delhi on Friday. This gesture came after Nitish Kumar announced his party's support for Modi.
In a video that has gone viral, Nitish Kumar can be seen walking towards the Prime Minister with folded hands and bowing to touch his feet. Prime Minister Modi, who is approximately six months older than Nitish Kumar, quickly stopped him, and the two leaders proceeded to shake hands.
This isn't the first time such an incident has garnered attention. In May, shortly after Nitish Kumar switched sides from the Opposition INDIA bloc to the NDA, he made a similar gesture during a Lok Sabha election campaign in Nawada. Nitish, who was seated next to Modi on stage, attempted to touch the Prime Minister's feet while they were conversing. The move drew widespread attention, with the Opposition criticizing it, while BJP leaders defended the gesture as a show of respect.
During Friday's parliamentary meeting of the NDA members, Nitish Kumar took a jibe at the Opposition, stating, "Agli baar jab aap aaiye toh kuch log jo idhar udhar jeet gaya hai, agli baar sab haarega. Humko poora bharosa hai" (I feel that the next time you [Modi] come back to power, those who have won seats here and there will not win any of the seats. I have full faith).
The incident and Nitish's remarks underscore the shifting dynamics within the Indian political landscape, as alliances form and re-form in the run-up to the next general elections.
