Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing sharp criticism after a video circulated online showing him removing the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during an official ceremony at his residence.
The incident occurred during a formal event to distribute appointment letters to newly recruited doctors. In the footage, the chief minister is seen asking Dr Nusrat Parveen to remove her hijab. Moments later, he appears to pull it off himself in front of attendees.
The video quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups. India’s main opposition party, the Congress, demanded that Nitish Kumar resign, calling the act inappropriate and unacceptable.
Shameful and Unacceptable | @NitishKumar
A Muslim woman, wearing a burqa and likely present to receive her joining letter, was subjected to public humiliation when Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reportedly reached out to pull down her Hijab/Mask.
The hijab is not a costume. It is… pic.twitter.com/4EakveoPtO
— Muslim IT Cell (@Muslim_ITCell) December 15, 2025Congress leaders said the incident amounted to a violation of a woman’s dignity and infringed upon her personal and religious freedoms. They argued that such conduct raised serious concerns about respect for minority rights and women’s safety at official state functions.
Bihar Chief Minister #NitishKumar forcibly removing a Muslim woman’s hijab is impolite, because it is not simply about pulling down the niqab of a Muslim doctor; it also shows his inability to govern a state and raises questions about his mental health." Senior Journalist… pic.twitter.com/XLTxlBJQVU
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 15, 2025The controversy also prompted intense debate online, with many users questioning the chief minister’s conduct and judgment. Several commentators called for accountability and clearer safeguards to ensure personal and religious boundaries are respected during public events.
As of now, there has been no official clarification from the Bihar government regarding the incident. The matter continues to draw national attention amid growing calls for an explanation and corrective measures.
