Patna, Bihar – A video showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar forcibly removing the hijab of a Muslim woman during a government event has sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation. The incident occurred on Monday as the woman was receiving her appointment letter as a doctor of alternative medicine in Patna, the state capital.

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Incident Details

Footage circulating on social media shows Kumar, 74, stretching his hand to pull the woman’s hijab down, exposing her face, while other officials present either laugh or fail to intervene effectively. The act occurred despite the woman’s visible hesitation, prompting criticism from across political, social, and international circles.

The video was first shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a key opposition party in Bihar. The post questioned Kumar’s mental condition and alleged alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a far-right Hindu nationalist group closely linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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Political and Social Fallout

• Opposition Response: The Congress Party called the act “vile” and demanded Kumar’s resignation, highlighting concerns over the safety of women in Bihar.
• Muslim Community: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) staged protests in Mumbai, demanding criminal charges against Kumar.
• Human Rights Groups: Amnesty International India condemned the incident as an assault on the woman’s dignity, autonomy, and religious identity.
• International Reaction: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the act as “shameful and extremely disturbing,” stressing the importance of minority rights and respect for women’s religious beliefs.

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Background on Hijab Controversies in India

The incident adds to longstanding tensions over the hijab in India. In 2022, the BJP-led government in Karnataka banned hijabs in classrooms, resulting in mass protests and a split Supreme Court verdict. The debate continues nationwide, with several Hindu groups advocating for a countrywide hijab ban.

Bihar has a significant Muslim population, comprising nearly 18 percent of the state’s 127 million residents, making the incident particularly sensitive.

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Current Status

As of Thursday, Nitish Kumar has not personally responded to the criticism. His party, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), defended him, stating he has historically “supported minorities” during his multiple tenures, without addressing the incident directly.

Amnesty International India called for unequivocal condemnation and accountability, emphasizing that public officials cannot police a woman’s faith or clothing, warning that such acts normalize discrimination and deepen societal fear.