PM Modi, Nitish Kumar Pay Tribute To Pt Jawaharlal Nehru On His Birth Anniversary

Last Updated:November 14, 2025, 07:44 IST

Nitish Kumar’s tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on Bihar verdict day sparked attention amid an intense electoral showdown between the NDA and Mahagathbandhan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (IMAGE: NEWS18 FILE)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, marking his birth anniversary with a brief tribute online.

His post on X reads, “Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary."

Meanwhile, an hour before the Election Commission commenced vote counting on Bihar’s verdict day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also marked the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister and former Congress leader, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Posting on X, the CM wrote, “On the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji, I pay my humble respects to him."

भारत के प्रथम प्रधानमंत्री स्व० पंडित जवाहर लाल नेहरू जी की जयंती पर उन्हें सादर नमन।— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 14, 2025

The gesture raised eyebrows because Nitish Kumar, contesting the election as part of the NDA, faces the Congress, an ally in the Mahagathbandhan with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD, on the opposing side.

Bihar is gripped with anticipation as counting begins on Friday, November 14 for one of the most consequential assembly elections in decades. The two-phase polling on 6 and 11 November recorded nearly 67% turnout, the highest in the state since Independence, reflecting a strongly engaged electorate.

Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2025

NDA vs Mahagathbandhan

The ruling NDA, led by Nitish Kumar alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is locked in a close fight with the Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal. The Congress and Left parties remain important partners within the opposition bloc.

Smaller players, including Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, AIMIM, and Pappu Yadav’s Jan Adhikar Party, have attempted to carve out regional pockets of influence, particularly in the Seemanchal belt.

For Nitish Kumar, at the helm for over 17 years, this election is a crucial test amid rising criticism over unemployment, migration, and law and order. Tejashwi Yadav’s campaign, centred on job creation and youth aspirations, has resonated strongly with young voters.

What exit polls said?

Exit polls predict a tight contest, with many suggesting a photo finish between the two major alliances. Counting began at 8 a.m. across 38 district centres, starting with postal ballots before moving to EVMs, setting the stage for a decisive and closely watched verdict day.

The Election Commission reported a peaceful polling process across all 243 constituencies, despite isolated incidents of violence and minor irregularities. With over 1.25 lakh security personnel deployed, including central forces and state police, the EC maintained heightened vigilance, especially in districts vulnerable to Naxal disturbances such as Gaya, Jamui, and Aurangabad.

The turnout, 10% points higher than the 57.3% recorded in 2020, has prompted intense speculation. Analysts suggest the surge could indicate anti-incumbency, youth-driven energy, or effective mobilisation by all major political parties.

Observers say the numbers reaffirm that Bihar’s electorate remains deeply invested in its political trajectory, far from the apathy often attributed to it.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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