Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has launched a sharp criticism against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for a controversial act involving a Muslim woman's naqab at a public function. The incident, which occurred at the Chief Minister's secretariat 'Samvad' in Patna, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media and political circles.
What Exactly Happened at the Event?
The controversy unfolded during a public program where appointment letters were being distributed. A video clip that later went viral shows a woman, identified as a doctor, approaching the stage to receive her letter while wearing a naqab. Nitish Kumar is seen noticing her face covering, remarking 'what is this', and then proceeding to pull the naqab off in front of the assembled crowd. The act, accompanied by a smile from the Chief Minister, was captured on camera and shared widely, drawing immediate condemnation.
Strong Condemnation from Javed Akhtar
Reacting to the viral video, Javed Akhtar took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage. While clarifying his longstanding personal opposition to the traditional concept of 'parda' (veil), Akhtar made it unequivocally clear that this did not justify the Chief Minister's actions.
In his post, Akhtar wrote, "Every one who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda but it doesn’t mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor." He concluded with a direct demand: "Mr Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady."
Akhtar Claps Back at Allegations of Selective Outrage
As the online debate intensified, a user on X accused Javed Akhtar of exhibiting 'selective outrage' regarding the incident. The veteran writer responded with a fiery rebuttal, defending his consistent stance. He retorted, "How dare you accuse me of selective outrage. If you don't know how strongly I oppose the right wingers and regressives of my own community you are an imbecile." This exchange highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the discussion.
Zaira Wasim Joins the Chorus of Criticism
Former Bollywood actor Zaira Wasim, known for her role in 'Dangal', also voiced her strong anger over the incident. Wasim, who left the film industry in 2019 citing religious reasons, shared her reaction on X.
She wrote, "A woman's dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman's niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating." Echoing Akhtar's demand, she asserted, "Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar owes that woman an unconditional apology."
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about personal boundaries, respect for religious attire, and the conduct of public figures. The forceful reactions from prominent personalities like Javed Akhtar and Zaira Wasim have amplified the call for accountability. The viral clip continues to circulate, keeping the issue at the forefront of public discourse and putting pressure on the Bihar Chief Minister's office to respond. As of now, Nitish Kumar has not issued any public apology for the act that has been widely perceived as a violation of the woman's personal space and dignity.
