Nitish Kumar’s Hijab Incident Sparks Political Controversy in Bihar

Patna, Bihar: A seemingly minor gesture by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has escalated into a major political debate. During a recent event distributing appointment letters, Kumar, smiling, attempted to adjust the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor, reportedly out of a parental instinct. This act, however, has ignited heated discussions in political circles and across social media.

Political Reactions and Misinterpretations
The incident prompted a statement from Uttar Pradesh minister and Nishad Party chief Dr. Sanjay Nishad, who controversially remarked, “If I touched it elsewhere, what would have happened?” His comment, too, has drawn criticism. While some viewed Kumar’s action as harmless and paternal, others consider it inappropriate. Facing backlash, Sanjay Nishad clarified that his statement was taken out of context and was not intended to insult anyone.

Support from Other Leaders
Several politicians, including Bihar minister Jama Khan, defended Nitish Kumar. Khan emphasized Kumar’s contributions toward Muslim women and criticized the misrepresentation of a minor act. Meanwhile, leaders like Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called the incident unfortunate and advised the CM to avoid such gestures in the future. He stressed that tampering with a woman’s hijab is unacceptable.

Voices from Jammu & Kashmir
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, also commented, stating that as a chief minister, Kumar does not have the authority to disrespect Muslim women. She further hinted that repeated incidents could provoke community responses.

Criticism from Religious Leaders
Maulana Mufti Mohammad Saeedur Rahman Qasmi, secretary of Imarat-e-Sharia Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, criticized the act, highlighting the hijab’s role in preserving women’s dignity and honor. He condemned the removal of the hijab as disrespectful and called for an apology from the CM.

RJD’s Response
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also reacted sharply, sharing the incident video on social media. The party claimed it reflected the CM’s deteriorating mental state, questioning whether Nitish Kumar has fully aligned with ideological forces. The RJD specifically referenced the moment when Kumar removed the hijab of Nusrat Parveen, a practitioner in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani medicine, describing it as an example of his “unstable behavior.”

Ongoing Debate
What started as a brief, informal gesture has now morphed into a significant political controversy, sparking debates on social media, in political corridors, and among religious leaders across Bihar and beyond.