The controversy over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor at a government event in Patna has taken a fresh turn, with criticism now emerging from within the BJP itself.
Aparna Yadav, BJP leader and Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, on Tuesday condemned the incident, asserting that no one has the right to interfere with a woman’s dignity or make remarks linked to her religion or caste.
Speaking during a visit to the Barabanki District Women’s Hospital, Yadav said the conduct of public representatives must be beyond reproach. “No one has the right to interfere with the dignity of any woman or pass cheap comments linked to her religion or caste. People holding public office must watch their conduct and language. Their actions affect society, especially women,” she said.
Taking a firm stand, Yadav said both Nitish Kumar and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad were in the wrong. She demanded a public apology from both leaders, stressing that there could be no justification for hurting a woman’s dignity. “This will not be accepted,” she added.
Public anger intensified after Sanjay Nishad appeared to condone Nitish Kumar’s act. Referring to the incident, Nishad reportedly remarked with a chuckle, “This is enough for touching the veil. What would have happened if he had touched something else.” The comment was widely condemned as crude, misogynistic, and deeply offensive.
The video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Nitish Kumar pulling down the hijab of a newly recruited AYUSH doctor while handing over her appointment letter. The clip has caused widespread outrage, particularly among Muslims, and raised serious concerns about respect for women, consent, and religious freedom.
According to sources close to the woman doctor, she has been left deeply distressed by the incident and has decided not to take up the government job. She is also reportedly considering leaving the state, saying she felt “publicly humiliated” and could not continue with dignity after what happened.
Muslim organisations, women’s groups, and civil rights activists have strongly condemned the act, describing it as a direct attack on the dignity of a Muslim woman. Protests have been reported from several cities, with demonstrators holding placards and raising slogans against what they called the public shaming of a woman because of her religious identity.
Women’s organisations also reacted sharply to Sanjay Nishad’s remarks. A protester in Lucknow said, “These words show how casually some leaders speak about Muslim women. This mindset is dangerous and must be challenged.”
For many Indian Muslims, the episode has reopened deep anxieties about safety, respect, and equal treatment. Community leaders said the dismissive or casual responses from some political figures have only added to the hurt. “Our women deserve the same respect as anyone else,” a Muslim activist said. “A veil is not an object to be pulled, mocked, or used to assert power.”
