Bihar's Minority Affairs Minister, Zama Khan, is defending Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video surfaced showing Kumar removing a Muslim doctor's hijab at a public event. The incident, which took place during an appointment letter distribution ceremony for over 1,200 AYUSH doctors in Patna, has sparked controversy and condemnation from opposition parties.
According to reports, the Chief Minister paused upon seeing the doctor, who was wearing a hijab that also covered her face, and exclaimed, "What is this?" before pulling down her veil. The video of the incident quickly went viral, drawing criticism and accusations of unconstitutional behavior, misogyny, and violation of religious freedom.
Zama Khan, however, has defended Kumar, calling his action an act of "fatherly affection". Khan stated that Kumar respects women and wanted the world to see the face of a "successful daughter". He further accused the opposition and some leaders from the Muslim community of attempting to defame the Chief Minister. "The CM is, perhaps, older than the father of the woman in question. I have a daughter, and I could sense the fatherly affection he had expressed," Khan said. He also pointed out Kumar's work for women's empowerment and minority welfare.
The opposition has strongly condemned Kumar's actions, with the RJD and Congress sharing the video on social media and launching sharp attacks on the Chief Minister. The RJD questioned Kumar's conduct and mental state, suggesting his behavior reflected a deeper problem or a deliberate political signal. They also accused the ruling JDU-BJP alliance of disrespecting women and minorities. The Congress described the act as "shameless" and "unforgivable" and demanded Kumar's immediate resignation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the incident "public harassment," saying that forcefully pulling down a woman's veil in public was "absolutely condemnable". The AIMIM also condemned the act, calling it intolerable and demanding an immediate apology from the Chief Minister.
Adding to the controversy, some have pointed to a past incident where Kumar refused to wear a traditional skull cap offered to him during a Madrasa Education Board event. This refusal was seen as particularly controversial because Kumar was previously known to wear the skull cap at Iftar parties and other Muslim community functions.
In response to the backlash, JDU leaders have defended the Chief Minister, arguing that the incident should not define him or the party. BJP leaders have also circulated a video of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot removing a woman's veil, questioning why the Congress had not defended the Hindu community in that instance.
