A fresh political controversy has erupted after a minister from Uttar Pradesh made a contentious remark while defending Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's recent action involving a woman's hijab. Sanjay Nishad, a minister in the Yogi Adityanath government, has drawn sharp criticism for his comments on the incident.
The Controversial Defence on Bharat Samachar
While speaking to the local news channel Bharat Samachar, Minister Sanjay Nishad addressed the incident where Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was seen touching a woman's hijab during a public appointment letter distribution event. Nishad defended Kumar's actions, stating that the Chief Minister only did so to confirm that the appointment letter was being handed over to the correct person.
It was during this defence that Nishad posed a provocative question: "What if he touched elsewhere?" This rhetorical query, intended to downplay the original act, has become the focal point of the new controversy, with many interpreting it as highly insensitive and dismissive of personal boundaries.
Context of the Original Incident
The row originates from an event where Nitish Kumar was seen on video touching the hijab of a female beneficiary while handing her a government appointment letter. The footage, which went viral, led to widespread condemnation from opposition parties and social media users, who accused the Chief Minister of violating the woman's personal space and showing disrespect.
The incident, which took place in Bihar, quickly became a national talking point, intersecting debates on women's dignity, political conduct, and religious sensitivity. Nitish Kumar's office and party members had earlier offered clarifications, stating there was no ill intent behind the gesture.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Sanjay Nishad's remarks, made on 17 December 2025, have added fuel to the fire, triggering a wave of backlash. Political opponents have seized upon the comment, alleging that it reflects a patronizing and disrespectful attitude towards women among certain political leaders.
The controversy has transcended state boundaries, creating a ripple effect from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh. Key points of criticism include:
- The attempt to justify one controversial action with an even more controversial hypothetical scenario.
- The perceived trivialization of concerns about physical autonomy and consent.
- The potential to alienate women voters and minority communities.
As of now, there has been no official reaction from the top leadership of the BJP or the Uttar Pradesh government regarding Minister Nishad's statement. However, the comment is likely to be used as ammunition by rival parties in the ongoing political discourse.
The episode underscores the heightened sensitivity around gestures involving religious attire and personal space in India's current socio-political climate. It also highlights how off-the-cuff remarks by politicians can escalate a state-level issue into a national controversy, demanding damage control and clarifications.
