The Congress party has launched a sharp critique against Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan for his comments on the recent hijab controversy involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The row erupted after a video showed Kumar removing the naqab from a woman doctor's face during a public event in Patna.
Congress Leader's Strong Condemnation on Social Media
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera took to social media platform X on Sunday to express his strong disapproval. He specifically targeted Governor Khan's description of the incident as a "father-daughter matter." Khera argued that this framing dangerously normalises the violation of a young woman's bodily autonomy by a powerful, elderly politician.
"What is being passed off as a 'father–daughter moment' is, in reality, an attempt to normalise a powerful, ageing politician publicly violating a young woman’s bodily autonomy," Khera wrote in his post. He further stated that the act sends a chilling message to young girls, suggesting that unwanted physical contact is acceptable if the man is influential enough.
Khera added a grave dimension to his criticism by linking it to the broader issue of sexual abuse. "There is nothing more disturbing than this, especially when we know that most survivors of sexual abuse are harmed not by strangers, but by people they know and are expected to trust," he emphasised.
Recap of the Patna Event That Sparked the Controversy
The incident that triggered this political storm occurred earlier this week at the Chief Minister’s secretariat in Patna. During an appointment letter distribution ceremony for Ayush doctors, a video captured Nitish Kumar questioning and subsequently removing the naqab worn by Dr Nusrat Parveen as she approached him to receive her documents.
The video quickly went viral on various social media platforms, leading to widespread debate and condemnation. The event was meant to be a celebratory occasion for the newly appointed doctors but was overshadowed by this controversial interaction.
Aftermath and Current Status of the Doctor
In a significant development following the controversy, Dr Nusrat Parveen did not report for duty on her scheduled joining date, which was Saturday. Officials speaking to the PTI news agency confirmed her absence and added that they have not been able to establish contact with her or her family since the incident.
This absence has added another layer to the ongoing discussion, raising questions about the personal and professional impact of the public ordeal on the doctor. The lack of communication has left authorities and the public speculating about her well-being and future plans.
The Congress party's forceful response, combined with the doctor's subsequent absence, has ensured that this incident remains a focal point of political and social discourse in Bihar and beyond. It touches upon sensitive issues of personal freedom, political power dynamics, and women's safety in public spaces.
