Nitish Kumar’s Contradictory Viral Videos: Political Strategy or Changing Stance on Minority Outreach?

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has found himself at the center of a political debate after two recent videos featuring him went viral. The controversy stems from the fact that in one video, he refuses to wear a traditional cap at a madrasa event, while in the other, he is seen wearing the same cap during a religious ceremony at a khanqah. This apparent contradiction has sparked discussions among political analysts and the public alike.

The first video, recorded at a madrasa function, shows Nitish Kumar alongside his Minority Welfare Minister Jama Khan. When Jama Khan tries to place a cap on Nitish’s head, the Chief Minister politely refuses and hands the cap back to Khan. This moment quickly became a talking point in Bihar’s political circles.

Just days later, another video surfaced, showing Nitish Kumar at Khanqah Mujibia in Phulwari Sharif, participating in the traditional “chadarposhi” ceremony and wearing the cap he had previously declined. On September 5, 2025, Nitish himself posted photos of the event on social media, expressing his prayers for peace and harmony in the state.

Political experts suggest that these contrasting videos are part of Nitish Kumar’s calculated approach to reassure Muslim voters of his support. In Bihar, Muslim voters play a crucial role in elections, with over 20% population in 87 assembly constituencies and 15–20% in 47 others—making them a decisive force.

Historically, Nitish Kumar’s party, JDU, has enjoyed significant backing from Muslim voters. In 2015, five out of seven Muslim candidates from JDU won their seats, but in 2020, none of the eleven Muslim candidates succeeded—a setback for the party. To regain lost ground, Nitish inducted Jama Khan, a BSP winner, into JDU and appointed him as Minority Affairs Minister, signaling his intent to win back the community’s trust.

As the videos circulate, JDU’s MLC Khalid Anwar defended Nitish, highlighting his longstanding work for the Muslim community, including major funding for the restoration of religious sites. Meanwhile, opposition RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari accused Nitish of attempting to polish his secular image amid a weakening government.

Regardless of political interpretations, one thing is clear: Nitish Kumar is actively working to maintain his secular credentials, especially as some sections of the Muslim community remain dissatisfied with JDU’s stance on key issues like the Waqf Bill. Winning back their full support is no easy task and will likely be a defining challenge in the upcoming assembly elections.

How successful will Nitish Kumar’s strategy be? Only time—and the voters—will tell. What do you think about Nitish Kumar’s two viral videos? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to NDTV India for more updates on national and international news.