Amid the ongoing controversy over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling a woman doctor’s veil during a government event, Union minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday sparked fresh outrage with his remarks, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Singh was reacting to Monday’s incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down the niqab of a newly recruited AYUSH doctor while handing over her appointment letter. Defending the chief minister, Singh said Kumar had done nothing wrong. “If someone is coming to collect an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic country?” he asked. “Nitish Kumar acted like a guardian.”
Comparing the situation to identity checks, Singh said, “When you apply for a passport, do you not show your face? At the airport, do you not show your face? This is India. Here, the rule of law applies.” He insisted that the chief minister’s action was justified.
The controversy intensified after Singh made a remark about the woman doctor reportedly refusing to take up the job following the incident. “Whether she refuses the job or goes to hell, that is her choice,” he said, using the phrase “jahannum mein jaye,” which triggered widespread anger.
Congress MP from Katihar, Tariq Anwar, strongly criticised Singh, calling his remarks offensive and insensitive. “These are third-rate people with a cheap mindset. They do not understand that our country is secular. Everyone has the freedom to follow their religion. What Nitish Kumar did was shameful and painful,” Anwar said.
Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also lashed out at Singh. In a post on X, she said, “Only phenyl can clean this man’s filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs and naqabs of our Muslim mothers and sisters. Otherwise Muslim women will teach you a lesson you will never forget.”
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Fauzia Khan said the incident and the remarks had sent a wrong message. “It is very saddening that people in responsible positions behave like this. Removing a woman’s veil is like disrobing her. It is her personal choice how much she covers herself. Nitish Kumar should have apologised publicly, but instead they are saying what happened was right,” she said.
Congress MP Imran Masood also condemned Giriraj Singh’s statement, saying, “He needs treatment for mental sickness.”
Several opposition leaders have described Nitish Kumar’s act as “shameful” and “public humiliation,” while the ruling side continues to defend him, further deepening the political and social controversy around the incident.
