Hijab Controversy: Jitan Ram Manjhi Defends Nitish Kumar, Calls Incident ‘Accidental’

Amid the ongoing controversy in Bihar over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly removing a Muslim woman’s hijab, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has come to his defense, calling the incident unintentional and warning against linking it to religion.

The incident, which occurred in the political corridors of Bihar, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. However, Manjhi, the patron of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), asserted that the Chief Minister’s actions were never meant to hurt religious sentiments or disrespect anyone. He described the event as “accidental” and urged both the public and opposition parties to view it from a humanitarian perspective rather than a religious lens.

Manjhi: No Intent to Insult

Speaking to the media, Manjhi suggested that Nitish Kumar may have mistakenly acted out of familiarity, perhaps thinking of the woman as a daughter or relative. He said, “It likely happened unintentionally. When you are working, such things can happen naturally. The Chief Minister has always held women in respect, and it would be wrong to assume malice in this incident.”

Incident Should Not Be Viewed Through Religious Lens

Manjhi emphasized that turning the matter into a communal issue is inappropriate. He highlighted Nitish Kumar’s long-standing career dedicated to communal harmony and upliftment of all sections of society. According to Manjhi, the Chief Minister’s comment regarding the hijab was more akin to parental advice during work, not an attack on any religion.

Opposition Politicizing the Issue

Targeting opposition parties, Manjhi accused them of blowing minor incidents out of proportion for political gain. He said, “The state currently needs focus on development, employment, and social harmony, not controversies that create divisions.” He asserted that the public understands the context, and the opposition’s attempts to politicize the matter would not succeed.