Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is at the centre of a major political controversy after a video surfaced showing him pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government appointment ceremony in Patna. The incident, which occurred on December 15, 2025, has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, civil society, and public figures, while leaders from his own party rushed to defend his actions.
The event was organised to distribute appointment letters to newly recruited doctors under the state health services. During the ceremony, the woman doctor approached the Chief Minister wearing a hijab. As cameras rolled, Nitish Kumar appeared visibly uncomfortable and pulled the hijab down from her face, exposing it in front of the audience. The moment quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
Responding to the outrage, Janata Dal United leader and Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khandefended the Chief Minister, claiming his actions were misunderstood. Zama Khan stated that Nitish Kumar “loves children” and treats women with affection and respect.
According to him, the Chief Minister wanted people to see the face of a successful doctor and did not act with any ill intent. He dismissed claims questioning Nitish Kumar’s mental health and accused the opposition of politicising a sensitive moment for electoral gains.
Zama Khan emphasised that Nitish Kumar has consistently worked for women’s empowerment and minority welfare during his tenure and urged critics to view the incident in that context. The video is going viral online with people criticising the Chief Minister.
Opposition parties reacted strongly, calling the act inappropriate and disrespectful. The Congress termed the incident shameful and demanded that Nitish Kumar resign, arguing that such behaviour undermines women’s dignity and constitutional rights.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal, through spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad, said the Chief Minister violated the woman’s personal and religious freedom. He added that no public authority has the right to touch or remove someone’s attire without consent.
The controversy extended beyond politics. Former actor Zaira Wasim criticised the Chief Minister and demanded an unconditional apology. She stated that holding power does not give anyone the right to cross personal boundaries.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)