A video from a government programme in Patna on Monday has sparked a major political controversy after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen removing the hijab of a woman doctor while handing over appointment letters.
The incident took place at an event held at the Chief Minister’s residence, where appointment letters were being distributed to newly recruited AYUSH doctors. Nusrat Parveen, one of the selected doctors, stepped forward to receive her appointment letter from the Chief Minister.
After handing over the letter, Nitish Kumar gestured towards the woman’s headscarf, asked her about it and then instructed her to remove it. When she did not respond immediately, he was seen reaching out and removing the hijab himself. The woman appeared visibly uncomfortable and upset for a few moments, while some people present at the event were seen laughing.
The video of the incident quickly spread on social media and triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties. Sharing the clip online, critics questioned the Chief Minister’s behaviour. One post said, “What has happened to Nitish ji? Has his mental state deteriorated completely, or has Nitish Babu now become 100 percent Sanghi?”
The Congress party strongly condemned the act and demanded Nitish Kumar’s resignation. Calling the incident “disgusting” and “shameful,” the party said such behaviour from a Chief Minister raises serious concerns about women’s safety in the state.
“Look at this shameless act. When a woman doctor came to receive her appointment letter, Nitish Kumar pulled off her hijab,” the Congress said in a post on X. “If a person occupying the highest post in the state behaves in such a disgraceful manner in public, one can only imagine how safe women are in Bihar. Nitish Kumar should resign immediately for this reprehensible act. This kind of misconduct is unforgivable.”
Other opposition leaders, including those from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, also criticised the Chief Minister and accused him of disrespecting women and violating personal and religious dignity.
The programme involved the distribution of appointment letters to 1,283 AYUSH doctors, including 685 Ayurvedic, 393 Homoeopathic and 205 Unani practitioners. According to officials, the doctors will be posted at various health institutions under AYUSH Medical Services and the National Health Mission, where they will provide OPD services and work under the National Child Health Programme to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
