New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ’s video showing him bowing down to touch the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Darbhanga district is viral. The gesture, which appeared to be a sign of respect, was quickly interrupted by PM Modi, who stopped the JD(U) leader and instead extended his hand for a handshake.

The moment was from Darbhanga where PM Modi was present to lay the foundation stone for an AIIMS hospital and inaugurate a series of development projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore. Amid the ceremonial proceedings, another video surfaced showing Modi pulling Nitish Kumar to his side as party workers garlanded the Prime Minister.

Video: Nitish Kumar tries to touch PM Modi’s feet 

Nitish Kumar has been an ally of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) in Bihar for years, though the alliance has faced its fair share of ups and downs.

PM Modi while addressing stated that under Kumar’s leadership, the state had emerged from a period historically known as the “jungle raj,” referring to Bihar’s infamous lawlessness before the JD(U) leader took office. 

Without directly naming the opposition parties, Modi made a veiled reference to the Congress -RJD combine, emphasizing the success of Bihar’s current governance model. “No praise is too high for him,” the Prime Minister said. “His contribution in pulling Bihar out of the era of jungle raj is immeasurable. Nitish babu has set up a model of sushasan (good governance).”