The doctor at the centre of a major controversy involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not report for her official duty on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This development comes days after a public ceremony where the Chief Minister pulled down her hijab, sparking nationwide outrage and a political firestorm.
Deadline Passes Without Joining
The medical professional was scheduled to report to the Sabalpur Community Health Centre (CHC) under Patna Sadar by 6 pm on Saturday. Official sources confirmed that she did not arrive at the designated place by the deadline. Saturday was the final day for her to join her posting as per the initial instructions. An official stated that any extension to this deadline would require a revised order from the state's Health Department, which would then be followed.
The doctor, who has chosen not to comment publicly on the matter, received her appointment letter from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself on December 15. A video from that event went viral, showing the CM noticing her hijab, asking "What is this?" and subsequently pulling the veil down.
Cross-Border Job Offer Amid Condemnation
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. In a significant move, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari publicly condemned the Bihar CM's actions on Saturday. He extended a formal job offer to the aggrieved doctor.
Dr Ansari offered her a government position in Jharkhand with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. The package also includes government accommodation and a posting of her preference. "I am a doctor first, and then a minister. What happened has hurt the entire medical fraternity and will send the wrong message to India," Dr Ansari said, highlighting the professional insult felt by many.
Political Row and Divergent Reactions
The episode has ignited a fierce political debate. Opposition parties in Bihar, including the RJD and the Congress, have questioned the Chief Minister's mental state. Strong criticism also came from Jammu and Kashmir, with former CM Omar Abdullah being among the vocal critics accusing Kumar of overstepping his boundaries.
In defence, the JD(U) argued that Nitish Kumar should be judged by his overall work for women and Muslims, not by this single "flash incident." Adding another perspective, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan termed the CM's act a "fatherly gesture." Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Khan expressed pain over the dispute, asking, "Can there be any row between a father and a daughter?" He emphasized that Kumar treats female students with the respect accorded to daughters.
The doctor's appointment was processed through the AYUSH department. The standard procedure requires candidates to first report to the Civil Surgeon's office for document verification before being posted to a Community Health Centre. Her failure to join duty marks the latest chapter in a controversy that continues to resonate on issues of religious freedom, personal agency, and the conduct of public officials.
