Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Forcibly Removes Muslim Woman's Niqab
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar faces criticism after a viral video showed him pulling a woman’s hijab at a public event, sparking outrage and political debate.
A video of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has gone viral on social media, showing him pulling off a woman’s hijab at an event in Patna.
The programme took place at the Chief Minister’s residence, where Nitish Kumar was giving appointment letters to 1,200 newly recruited AYUSH doctors, who practise traditional Indian health systems like Ayurveda and Yoga.
One of the doctors, Nusrat Parveen, went on stage wearing a hijab and niqab. Nitish Kumar reportedly looked displeased and said, “What is this?” He then bent forward and pulled down her niqab. Nusrat appeared surprised and upset, and another official quickly led her away. The Deputy Chief Minister tried to stop him, but other leaders, including the Health Minister, were seen laughing.
The video caused outrage on social media. The RJD commented on X, saying, “What has happened to Nitish ji? His mental state has now reached a completely pitiable condition.” Opposition parties criticised the act, saying it shows a lack of respect for Muslim women. Some demanded Nitish Kumar’s resignation. Actor Zaira Wasim also called for an apology, stating that a woman’s respect and dignity must never be disrespected.
In response, Zama Khan, Minority Welfare Minister and Nitish Kumar’s party colleague, defended him. She said the opposition and Muslim leaders are trying to defame him and that he acted like a father showing love to a Muslim daughter, wanting society to see her face after her achievement.
This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has been involved in a controversy. In March 2025, during another Patna event, he held a woman’s hand on stage and placed his arm around her shoulders, with Home Minister Amit Shah present. In 2023, he had also faced criticism for making a vulgar remark in the Bihar Assembly while speaking about girls’ education and population control, for which he later apologised.
The incident has once again sparked debates about respect, women’s dignity, and public behaviour by political leaders.
