Nitish Kumar's Minute-Long 'Folded Hands' Gesture At Event With PM Modi Raises Eyebrows

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s prolonged gesture of sitting with folded hands during a virtual event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday has once again fuelled political speculation and drawn sharp scrutiny from the Opposition. The Chief Minister was attending the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025, a national skill convocation where PM Modi presented certificates to toppers from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country, while also launching new youth-focused initiatives worth over Rs 62,000 crore.

During a segment where another leader was reading out the details of the programme, Kumar remained seated with his hands folded in a posture of deference or deep concentration for nearly a minute, occasionally shaking his hands slightly

and looking sideways. This unusual public gesture immediately went viral and was amplified by political rivals.

Nitish Kumar, the veteran leader of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), has recently faced recurrent attacks from the Opposition, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who have questioned his health and public behaviour. They have cited several recent instances of what they termed “unstable and erratic” conduct, suggesting concerns over his ability to effectively govern the state, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching.

The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh was a significant event for both the Centre and the state, showcasing the launch of major schemes like the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a centrally-sponsored scheme with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. Furthermore, the Prime Minister used the platform to highlight Bihar-specific initiatives, including the establishment of the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University and the Bihar Youth Commission, explicitly praising Kumar’s efforts for good governance.

Coming from a leader who has also been seen attempting to touch the Prime Minister’s feet and making unconventional remarks at other recent public rallies, the folded-hands gesture is interpreted by critics as another sign of political or physical frailty. While his party and allies have consistently dismissed these criticisms, his actions during the high-profile virtual event with the Prime Minister are set to provide fresh ammunition for the Opposition in the run-up to the crucial polls.