Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has come to the defense of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar amidst criticism from the opposition regarding an alleged national anthem row. Manjhi highlighted Kumar's two-decade-long track record of good governance to support his stance. Dismissing recent speculations about Kumar's health, Manjhi criticized the RJD for making derogatory remarks. The former rift between Kumar and Manjhi has been put aside as they unite ahead of the assembly elections under the NDA alliance.