A controversial remark by Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad on a viral video involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has triggered strong criticism and political backlash.
Reacting to the video in which Nitish Kumar is seen pulling off the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during an appointment letter distribution event, Nishad said, “If just the veil has been removed and there is so much uproar, what would have happened if he had touched somewhere else.” He made the comment laughingly, which further fuelled anger.
Criticising his remarks, Congress leader Supriya Shirante said, “These shameless words are being said with a laugh by UP government minister Sanjay Nishad. The way he says this shows his vile, absurd and misogynistic mindset.”
The incident itself took place during a government programme in Bihar, where a Muslim woman wearing a hijab stepped forward to receive her appointment letter. After handing it over, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to remove her hijab, an act that was captured on camera and went viral on social media.
Following Nishad’s comments, Samajwadi Party leader and spokesperson Soumya Rana filed a complaint against both Nitish Kumar and Sanjay Nishad at the Kaiserganj police station in Lucknow. Soumya Rana, who is also the daughter of poet Munawwar Rana, strongly condemned the act and the subsequent remarks.
Speaking to the media, Soumya Rana said, “After watching Nitish Kumar’s video, it disturbed me deeply. A woman who comes wearing a veil clearly chooses to do so. He pulled her hijab and then laughed. This reflects a bankrupt mentality and hurts an entire community.”
She added that India is a country where women are respected and worshipped, and such behaviour from those holding high constitutional positions is unacceptable. “There cannot be anything more shameful than this. That is why we have submitted a complaint and demanded that a case be registered,” she said.
Responding directly to Sanjay Nishad’s statement, Soumya Rana said, “When he says that only the veil was removed and nothing else was touched, what does that imply? It shows hatred towards a community. Strict action must be taken. If no case is registered, we will intensify our protest.”
