Bihar Minister defends Nitish Kumar, says he was being ‘fatherly’ when he pulled off doctor’s hijab

Bihar CM was seen pulling the veil of an AYUSH doctor on Monday. Pic/Screengrab from X

Bihar Minority Affairs Minister Zama Khan, while defending Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar, said that he had acted in a "fatherly" manner when he pulled the hijab off a young woman's face, news agency PTI reported.

The incident, which happened on Monday at a function where AYUSH doctors were handed appointment letters, triggered a controversy across social media.

"The CM is, perhaps, older than the father of the woman in question. I have a daughter, and I could sense the fatherly affection he had expressed," the Bihar Minister asserted.

More than 1000 AYUSH doctors were handed appointment letters at the function, and 10 of them, including a woman Nusrat Parveen, who was wearing a hijab. All the doctors present at the ceremony received appointment letters from Nitish Kumar at the CM's Secretariat.

The Bihar CM, who was standing on a raised platform, exclaimed upon seeing Nusrat Parveen, "What is this?" and pulled the veil down, exposing her face."

The JDU chief, who is also the longest-serving CM of the state, has been facing flak from political opponents since then. Opposition party members have been alleging that the behaviour was proof that he was not mentally sound and is hence, unfit to govern the state.

Khan, while hitting back at the opposition, pointed out, "Only recently has the NDA secured a landslide victory in assembly polls under his leadership. Those trying to create a scandal have a very twisted mindset."

"The CM had simply tried to highlight the fact that girls of the minority community, too, are making progress in Bihar. But the mudslingers are causing embarrassment to the poor girl, too," Khan further emphasised.

Nitish Kumar's video went viral on social media

The video of the incident went viral, leading to widespread criticism.

The JD(U) leader's act has also attracted political reactions. The Congress described Kumar's actions as "shameless" while accusing him of disrespecting women in a public setting.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) questioned the CM's conduct and judgement. Some politicians also raised concerns over his behaviour at events.

(With inputs from PTI)