Controversy Erupts Over Bihar CM's Actions Towards Muslim Woman's Hijab

A recent incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling down a Muslim woman's hijab during a job appointment event has sparked significant controversy and political backlash. Union Minister Giriraj Singh's comments, suggesting the woman could either accept the job or 'go to hell,' have further fueled outrage. Opposition parties are demanding an apology, while various political figures have condemned Kumar's actions as shameful and indicative of a troubling mindset. The incident raises questions about secularism and respect for personal choices in India, with calls for accountability from human rights organizations. This unfolding situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious identity and women's rights in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:15 IST

Incident Sparks Outrage

The recent actions of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have ignited significant controversy after he was seen pulling down a Muslim woman's hijab during a ceremony where appointment letters were handed out to newly appointed doctors. Union Minister Giriraj Singh commented on the incident, suggesting that the woman could either decline the job or 'go to hell.'

This event took place at the chief minister's office in Patna on Monday, where letters were distributed to practitioners of AYUSH, which includes various traditional Indian medical systems.

A video of the incident, which has gained widespread attention on social media, shows Kumar gesturing towards the woman's hijab as she approached to receive her appointment letter, before suddenly pulling it down. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was present, appeared to intervene, while others, including state Health Minister Mangal Pandey, were seen laughing.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who are demanding an apology from Kumar.

Political Reactions and Criticism

In response to the backlash, Singh defended Kumar, asserting that the chief minister's actions were justified. He questioned whether it was appropriate for someone to collect an appointment letter without showing their face, emphasizing that India is governed by the rule of law.

Singh remarked, “If someone goes to collect their appointment letter, will they not show their face?” He further stated that the woman’s choice to accept or reject the job was entirely hers.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar condemned the incident, labeling the actions of Kumar and Singh as indicative of a 'cheap mindset' and a failure to recognize India's secular nature. He expressed that Kumar's behavior was both shameful and disheartening.

Fauzia Khan from the Nationalist Congress Party also criticized the incident, stating that it sends a negative message globally and that a woman's choice regarding her attire should be respected.

Broader Implications and Responses

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, questioned the double standards of the BJP, suggesting that had the roles been reversed, the reaction would have been vastly different.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned Kumar's behavior as indecent and communal, while Iltija Mufti from the Peoples Democratic Party expressed outrage over Singh's remarks, calling for respect towards Muslim women's attire.

Mufti has since filed a complaint against Kumar for violating the dignity of the woman involved, urging the Jammu and Kashmir Police to take action.

Amnesty International has also weighed in, describing Kumar's actions as an assault on the woman's dignity and calling for accountability to prevent such degrading treatment in the future.