Ranchi- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has come under intense criticism from political leaders in Jharkhand as the hijab controversy escalates, with opposition parties accusing him of disrespecting women and demanding accountability for his conduct.
The sharp reactions followed the Jharkhand government’s announcement offering employment to Bihar AYUSH doctor Nusrat Praveen, who reportedly stopped reporting for duty after the hijab-related incident. Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he had extended a job offer to the doctor with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, a government residence, and a posting of her choice.
Ansari alleged that Nitish Kumar had insulted not only the hijab but also the Muslim community by forcibly removing a woman’s veil during a public event. He said the Jharkhand government’s offer was aimed at restoring the dignity of the woman doctor.
Backing Ansari, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Manoj Kumar Pandey described the incident as a “shameful act” and accused the Bihar Chief Minister of publicly humiliating a woman. Speaking to IANS, Pandey said that such behaviour from a constitutional authority was unacceptable.
“What happened in Bihar is disgraceful,” Pandey said. “A Chief Minister behaving in this manner and insulting a woman in public cannot be justified. This is not about religion or caste, but about respect towards women.”
He further questioned Nitish Kumar’s ability to continue as Chief Minister, asking whether a person with such a “mental condition” should remain in office. Pandey also targeted the BJP-led alliance, asking whether such conduct reflected the leadership standards within the ruling coalition.
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha also launched a strong attack on Nitish Kumar, accusing him of violating the dignity of women. Speaking to IANS, Sinha said that when someone holding a constitutional position undermines a woman’s dignity, it becomes the responsibility of society and political parties to stand up for her rights.
“Congress has always respected the honour of mothers and sisters, irrespective of religion, caste, or community,” Sinha said. Targeting the NDA and its allies, he added that such behaviour reflected a broader pattern of disrespect towards women.
Sinha further claimed that it was because of this atmosphere that the woman doctor became emotionally distressed and decided not to continue her service in Bihar. He said the offer from Jharkhand was meant to assure her that her dignity would be protected under the Mahagathbandhan government and that she would be provided employment.
The controversy stems from an incident on December 20 at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Patna, where newly appointed AYUSH doctors had gathered to receive their appointment letters. According to widely circulated video footage, when the woman doctor approached Nitish Kumar, he noticed her hijab, asked her what it was, and then lifted it himself.
The video was shared extensively on social media, particularly by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and quickly turned into a major political flashpoint. Opposition parties condemned the act, triggering a nationwide debate on dignity, consent, and the conduct expected from those in positions of power.
With inputs from IANS