A political firestorm has erupted in Bihar after a video showing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling down the hijab of a woman doctor during an official function went viral on social media. The incident, which occurred during an appointment letter distribution ceremony in Patna, has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition parties, while a senior BJP leader has come out in strong defence of the chief minister.
Defence from a Union Minister
Amid the growing criticism, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday stated there was "nothing wrong" in Nitish Kumar's action. Speaking to reporters, Singh argued against viewing the incident through a religious lens and justified it as a procedural necessity. He contextualised the chief minister's act as that of a guardian verifying the identity of a beneficiary.
"Nitish Kumar has done nothing wrong. If someone goes to collect their appointment letter, will they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation?" Singh questioned. He further added, "Nitish Kumar did this as a guardian. Do you not show your face when you go to the passport office? Do you not show your face when you go to the airport? This is India and it will be governed by the rule of law. What Nitish Kumar did is correct."
The Incident and Immediate Backlash
The controversy stems from an event earlier this week at the chief minister's residence in Patna, where appointment letters were being distributed to 1,283 newly recruited AYUSH doctors. While most received their letters online, ten were present in person. A video shared by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on platform X shows the moment when a woman doctor, identified as Nusrat Parveen, approached the stage with her face covered by a hijab.
Nitish Kumar, who was on stage with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Health Minister Mangal Pandey, appeared displeased. He remarked "What is this?", bent down, and pulled her veil down. The woman was seen visibly flustered as an official moved her aside. Samrat Choudhary was seen tugging at Kumar's sleeve, seemingly in an attempt to restrain him.
Opposition Condemnation and Demands
The video triggered an immediate and severe backlash from opposition parties. The RJD questioned Kumar's conduct and mental state on X, asking if he had become a "100 per cent member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh." RJD MP Manoj Jha called the visuals "unsettling" and said such actions sent a poor message from the state's top constitutional authority.
The Congress party came down heavily, terming the act "shameless" and "vile" and demanding Kumar's resignation. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said the incident was condemnable and violated traditions and faith, raising serious questions about women's safety and dignity at government events.
Other opposition voices joined the chorus. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi stressed that no one had the right to publicly humiliate an adult woman for her attire, and equality must be based on consent. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also criticised the incident, warning against normalising control over women's choices.
Political Counter and Escalation
In response, the BJP attempted to counter the criticism by sharing an old video of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot removing a woman's 'ghoonghat', accusing the opposition of selective outrage. BJP leaders alleged that opposition parties were politicising the issue for electoral gains.
The row escalated further when Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad made controversial remarks defending Kumar, which were widely criticised as misogynistic. Nishad later claimed his comments were misunderstood due to translation issues and offered to withdraw them if they had hurt sentiments, even as opposition parties continued to demand an unconditional apology.
The incident has ignited a fierce debate on religious identity, women's autonomy, and the conduct of public officials, ensuring it remains a hot-button issue in Bihar's political landscape.
