Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Criticised After Removing Muslim Doctor’s Hijab at Official Ceremony
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing intense backlash after a video surfaced showing him removing the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government appointment ceremony in Patna. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil rights groups, who have called the act a violation of personal dignity and religious freedom.
Incident at AYUSH Appointment Event
The chief minister was giving appointment letters to nearly 1,000 recently hired AYUSH doctors at the Bapu Sabhagar auditorium in Patna when the incident started. As Dr. Nusrat Parveen stepped forward to receive her appointment letter, video footage shows the 74-year-old chief minister reaching toward her face and lifting her veil.
The audience gave short, awkward applause, and the doctor, clearly uncomfortable, took a step back. The video swiftly gained popularity on social media, provoking indignation in both communal and political circles.
Opposition Slams Act as Disrespectful
Several opposition parties strongly criticised Nitish Kumar’s actions. The Congress party termed the gesture “deeply inappropriate and disrespectful,” while leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) accused the chief minister of crossing personal and religious boundaries.
Political analysts say the incident has raised serious concerns, especially within Bihar’s Muslim community, which makes up nearly 20 percent of the state’s population and remains an important electoral group.
Growing Concerns Over Religious Sensitivity
The measure, according to community leaders and campaigners, ignores human consent and religious customs. Many have called for a public apology, emphasizing that no official has the authority to interfere with someone’s religious garb, especially during a formal state ceremony.
The chief minister’s office has yet to offer a comprehensive statement that tackles the incident in detail.
Political Context
The NDA alliance easily won the state legislature elections, and on November 20, 2025, Nitish Kumar became Bihar’s chief minister for a record tenth term. The most recent event, however, has the potential to overshadow his recent political victory and have broader implications for future elections.
