Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Faces Backlash After Removing Muslim Doctor's Hijab at Public Event

Nitish Kumar pulled down a Muslim doctor's hijab at a public event

In the midst of a major controversy surrounding a viral video showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a Muslim doctor's hijab during a public event, the state's Minority Welfare Minister has defended the action, stating that the Chief Minister respects daughters and removed the veil so the world could see the face of a successful woman.

Zama Khan, who serves as the Minority Welfare Minister and is Kumar's party colleague, claimed that opposition members and Muslim community leaders are attempting to damage Nitish Kumar's reputation. "Nitish ji simply showed affection to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to witness the face of the girl after she achieved success in life," he explained.

Khan emphasized that critics should recognize Kumar's longstanding respect for women. "Those in the opposition questioning his mental health are merely revealing their own mindset," he stated.

The incident occurred while the 74-year-old Chief Minister was attending a ceremony to distribute appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors. When a female doctor wearing a hijab approached Kumar, he was seen speaking to her, apparently requesting she remove her veil. Before she could respond, the Chief Minister pulled down her hijab, exposing her face. While some attendees were seen laughing in the background, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to attempt stopping Kumar.

The Congress party described Kumar's action as "vile" and called for his resignation as Chief Minister. "Look at his shamelessness. The person holding the highest position in Bihar is committing such a degrading act. Just imagine how safe women are in the state. Nitish Kumar should resign immediately. This behavior is unforgivable," the Congress stated.

RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad suggested that Kumar's removal of the hijab reflects the JDU-BJP coalition's attitude toward women. "By removing the hijab from a Muslim woman who observes purdah, he has clearly demonstrated what kind of politics the JDU and BJP are practicing in the name of women's empowerment... Removing a woman's veil essentially violates her right to live according to her culture and religious freedom, which is guaranteed to all citizens by the Indian Constitution," Ahmad said.

Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM declared Kumar's behavior intolerable. "If the Chief Minister possesses any morality or shame, he should apologize immediately. When the Chief Minister acts this way, who will ensure the respect and security of women?" AIMIM questioned. "Is women's self-respect being traded after depositing Rs 10,000 in their accounts monthly? AIMIM firmly stands for respecting women and protecting hijab," the party added.

AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar condemned Kumar's actions, emphasizing that "equality means consent." "If a powerful man can remove a woman's veil today, who decides tomorrow that my covered arms offend him? Control never stops at one piece of cloth. Equality means consent. Always."