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During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Darbhanga, Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar created a surprising moment when he attempted to touch the Prime Minister’s feet at the event. The occasion was significant, as PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a series of key infrastructure projects in Bihar worth Rs 12,100 crore. The highlight of the event was the announcement of AIIMS Darbhanga, which will be Bihar’s second AIIMS facility, after the one in Patna. The foundation was also laid for a series of major National Highway projects, designed to improve road connectivity across the state.
The viral moment occurred when, after addressing the gathering, PM Modi was returning to his seat. Nitish Kumar, with folded hands, walked towards Modi and attempted to touch his feet, a gesture of respect in Indian culture. PM Modi quickly reacted by standing up, greeting the Bihar CM, and holding his hands. The crowd at the event responded with applause as the two leaders exchanged a brief, respectful moment. The entire interaction was captured on video, which rapidly spread across various platforms.
This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has shown such gestures towards PM Modi. Earlier in 2024, during a session at the Central Hall of Parliament, Nitish Kumar was seen attempting to touch Modi’s feet. Additionally, at a rally in Nawada earlier in the year, Kumar made a similar gesture. These actions have drawn attention, particularly as they occur in the context of Bihar’s political dynamics, where the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister belong to different political parties but have at times shared a working relationship.
Beyond the unexpected moment involving Nitish Kumar, the event in Darbhanga was notable for its focus on infrastructure development. PM Modi not only laid the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga but also for several National Highway projects aimed at improving the state’s connectivity. Among these projects was the four-lane Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, which will provide a crucial link from Araria to West Bengal via Galgalia. Other major National Highway projects include the construction of roads from Ramnagar to Rosera, and from the Bihar-West Bengal border to Manihari.
In addition to road infrastructure, PM Modi launched railway projects valued at over Rs 1,740 crore. These included the Rs 220 crore Sonenagar Bypass Railway Line and the gauge conversion of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar rail section. The Darbhanga Bypass Railway Line, aimed at easing congestion in the region, was also inaugurated, along with the doubling of railway lines to enhance regional connectivity. Furthermore, PM Modi inaugurated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at railway stations to provide affordable medicines to passengers.
@NitishKumar stunned the crowd at @narendramodi's #Darbhanga event by attempting to touch his feet. PM quickly stood up, greeted him, and held his hands. The moment came during the foundation-laying ceremony for #AIIMS Darbhanga and major infrastructure projects.#Bihar #PMModi pic.twitter.com/IAgjUKad54
— Taaza TV (@taazatv) November 13, 2024