Bihar NDA Allies Push Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar, Citing 'Son of the Soil' Legacy

• Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and JD(U) leader KC Tyagi advocate for Bharat Ratna for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.
• Manjhi praises Kumar's two decades of service, women's empowerment via "Jeevika," and total prohibition in Bihar.
• The demand follows the Bharat Ratna conferment on Karpoori Thakur, aiming to consolidate Mahadalit and EBC vote banks.
• JD(U) leadership, including president Sanjay Jha, officially distances itself from the lobbying, despite acknowledging Kumar's worthiness.
• Political observers suggest the move is a subtle message to BJP from its regional partner regarding Kumar's legacy.

Why It Matters: Bihar NDA allies are publicly pushing for Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar, despite JD(U)'s official distancing.