Patna: The demand to confer India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has gained fresh momentum, with senior Janata Dal (United) leader K C Tyagi formally appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider the proposal.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Tyagi described Nitish Kumar as a key figure of the socialist tradition who has spent decades working in public life. He argued that Nitish’s long political journey and focus on governance, social justice and institutional reform make him deserving of national recognition.
Referring to the recent Bharat Ratna awards announced for veteran leaders linked to the socialist movement, Tyagi said these decisions reflected respect for leaders who worked for farmers, backward classes and the poor. He added that Nitish Kumar’s political philosophy and administrative record are rooted in the same values of inclusion and dignity for marginalised communities.
The JD(U) leader also pointed out that several personalities have been honoured with the Bharat Ratna during their lifetime, suggesting that age or tenure should not be barriers to recognition. He said awarding Nitish Kumar would acknowledge decades of public service and inspire future generations to value principled politics and governance.
This is not the first time such a demand has been raised. In the past, Union Minister Giriraj Singh had publicly supported the idea of awarding the Bharat Ratna to Nitish Kumar, citing his role in Bihar’s development and administrative reforms. Singh had also made a similar suggestion for former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, highlighting long-serving leaders who have shaped their states over many years.
Nitish Kumar, who is currently serving his tenth term as Bihar’s Chief Minister, remains one of the longest-serving leaders in Indian politics. Over the years, he has been credited with improving infrastructure, strengthening law and order, and expanding social welfare schemes in Bihar. Supporters argue that these contributions, combined with his ideological roots in the socialist movement, justify consideration for the country’s highest civilian honour.
