Archive · 20 Dec 2025
Nitish Kumar Hijab Incident Sparks Controversy
Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, pulled off a woman's hijab during a public event where he was giving out job letters.
This made many people angry, especially women's rights activists.
Mehbooba Mufti, a political leader, said this shows disrespect towards women.
Another activist, Banu Mushtaq, said while she doesn't support face covering, she thinks Nitish Kumar's action was wrong.
Mehbooba Mufti's daughter even filed a police complaint against Nitish Kumar.
The police haven't said yet if they will take action.
The woman involved, Dr. Nusrat Parveen, has not attended college since the incident and has not made any public comments.
The opposition party RJD and the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) have also criticized Nitish Kumar's actions.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled a woman's hijab during a public event to distribute appointment letters to AYUSH practitioners.
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti criticized the act, comparing it to the disrespect shown to Draupadi in the Mahabharata.
Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, filed a police complaint against Nitish Kumar.
Activist Banu Mushtaq condemned both the practice of face covering and Nitish Kumar's action, emphasizing the importance of dignity and democratic values.
The police have not confirmed whether an FIR has been registered against Nitish Kumar.
- Who
- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Dr. Nusrat Parveen, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, RJD, AIPWA
- What
- Nitish Kumar pulled a woman's hijab during a public event, sparking criticism and a police complaint
- When
- December 15 (incident), December 19 (criticism and complaint)
- Where
- Patna, Bihar, India
- Why
- Nitish Kumar claimed he wanted to ensure the appointment letter was given to the correct person, but critics argue it was a disrespectful act
Critics
Defenders
Disrespect to Women
Critics
Critics argue that Nitish Kumar's action was disrespectful to women and violated their dignity.
Defenders
Defenders claim that the incident was not intended to disrespect women and was a misunderstanding.
Political Motives
Critics
Opposition parties allege that Nitish Kumar's action was politically motivated to please the BJP and RSS.
Defenders
Supporters argue that the incident was not politically motivated and was a simple mistake.
- Incident Date
- December 15
- Location
- Patna, Bihar
- Involved Parties
- Nitish Kumar, Dr. Nusrat Parveen, Mehbooba Mufti, Giriraj Singh, Banu Mushtaq, RJD, AIPWA
- Complaint Filed
- Yes, by Iltija Mufti
- FIR Registered
- Not confirmed
- Event Type
- Appointment letter distribution to AYUSH practitioners
- Criticism Focus
- Disrespect towards women, violation of dignity, political motives
- Doctor's Response
- Dr. Nusrat Parveen has not attended college since the incident and has not made any public comments.
Sources
Leaders like Giriraj Singh want to turn India into Kaurav Rajya: Mehbooba Mufti
Condemn face covering but Nitish Kumar pulling a woman’s hijab was deplorable: Banu Mushtaq
Voices against Nitish Kumar grow louder in Kashmir: Hijab row finds mention in Mirwaiz sermon, Iltija complaint
Naqaab controversy turns into political slugfest in Kashmir after PDP leader seeks FIR against Bihar CM
After hijab controversy, Ayush doctor likely to rejoin college on Saturday
