Why is Prashant Kishor Demanding a Medical Bulletin on Nitish Kumar?

heikhpura (Bihar): Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor has demanded a medical bulletin on the mental health condition of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that he is being shielded from public scrutiny. Speaking at a press conference in Sheikhpura on Tuesday, Kishor claimed that Kumar’s recent behavior has raised concerns about his ability to govern effectively.

The former poll strategist, who was once associated with the JD(U) before being expelled following a fallout with Kumar, pointed out that the issue of the chief minister’s mental health was first raised in 2023 by his late close aide, Sushil Modi. “For the last couple of years, the people of Bihar have been observing his behavior,” Kishor stated.

Concerns Over Public Appearances

Kishor alleged that attempts were being made to prevent Nitish Kumar from addressing press conferences and public functions, seemingly to protect him from scrutiny. Despite this, the JD(U) chief has frequently made headlines for unusual behavior, he claimed.

“Kumar has been forgetting the names of his cabinet colleagues and even struggling to recall which district he is in while on official tours. During the recent protests over BPSC exams, I was informed that he was completely unaware of the situation in the state,” Kishor remarked.

Call for Medical Bulletin

In a sarcastic tone, Kishor suggested that issuing a medical bulletin would help dispel doubts about Kumar’s mental fitness. “If a medical bulletin is issued, it will remove any misgivings from the minds of the people about Nitish Kumar’s soundness of mind. But I am sure he will not agree to such a thing,” he said.

Kishor’s remarks are expected to trigger a fresh round of political controversy in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar’s leadership has already been under scrutiny. The JD(U) is yet to respond to Kishor’s claims.