Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has found himself in the middle of a major controversy after a video went viral on social media showing him pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government event in Patna. The incident took place while the Chief Minister was distributing appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors.
The Shocking Moment on Stage
The video clip, which has been widely shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), shows the woman doctor, identified as Dr. Nusrat Parveen, approaching the stage to receive her official letter. After handing over the document, CM Kumar is seen gesturing towards her headscarf, seemingly asking about it, before reaching out and pulling the veil off her face. The woman appeared visibly surprised and uncomfortable for a moment. Officials present on the stage quickly intervened to manage the situation, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, standing next to the CM, was also seen attempting to restrain Mr. Kumar. Some people at the venue were reportedly seen laughing.
Massive Outcry on Social Media
The incident immediately sparked a massive political uproar and widespread criticism on social media. Opposition parties in Bihar have sharply attacked the Chief Minister, questioning his conduct and mental health. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party both shared the video, with the RJD asking, “What has happened to Nitish ji? Has his mental state deteriorated completely, or has Nitish Babu now become 100% Sanghi?” The Congress party condemned the act as “disgraceful” and demanded the Chief Minister’s immediate resignation, stressing that the incident raises serious questions about the safety and respect for women in the state.
Ruling Party Defends CM’s Action
Defending the Chief Minister, the ruling Janata Dal (United) spokesperson urged critics to focus on Mr. Kumar’s larger efforts for women empowerment and minority welfare, suggesting that a “stray visual image should not be played up unnecessarily by the Opposition.” However, the public outrage continues, with many social media users labeling the action as inappropriate and an interference with a person’s religious freedom and personal choice.
The event was held at the CM’s secretariat, ‘Samvad,’ to distribute appointment letters to over 1,000 AYUSH doctors, including practitioners of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani systems of medicine. The focus of the event, which was meant to celebrate the strengthening of healthcare services, has now shifted entirely to the controversial act involving the Chief Minister.
The video and the ensuing controversy have opened up a fresh political battleground in the state, with the opposition using the incident to strongly target the ruling alliance over the issue of respect for religious customs and the treatment of women. The public is now awaiting a formal and detailed explanation from the Chief Minister’s Office regarding this highly controversial episode.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
