Delhi: A newly appointed AYUSH doctor, Nusrat Parveen, has decided not to take up her government posting after a controversial incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked outrage and debate over dignity and consent in public office.
Parveen, who recently received her appointment letter, was scheduled to join duty on December 20. However, her family has now confirmed that she is firm on her decision to stay away from government service following the incident that unfolded during an official function in Patna.
Speaking to the media, Parveen’s brother, who teaches at a government law college in Kolkata, said the family is attempting to persuade her to reconsider. “We are explaining to her that it was the fault of the other person. She should not have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake,” he said, adding that the final decision rests with her.
The controversy erupted during an appointment letter distribution ceremony held at Samvad, inside the Chief Minister’s Office, where Nitish Kumar was handing over letters to 1,283 newly recruited AYUSH doctors from Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani streams. A video from the event, which later went viral, shows the Chief Minister interacting with Parveen, questioning her about her headscarf and then pulling down her hijab. The doctor is seen appearing visibly stunned by the act.
The footage triggered sharp reactions across political and social circles, with critics questioning the conduct of a constitutional authority at a formal government event. The incident has also raised concerns about personal freedom, respect for religious identity and the safety of women in professional spaces.
The Congress party strongly condemned the episode, launching a scathing attack on the Chief Minister. In a statement posted on social media, the party described the act as “shameless” and “vile,” alleging that such behaviour from the highest office in the state sends a deeply troubling message. The party further demanded Nitish Kumar’s resignation, stating that the incident raises serious questions about women’s dignity and security in Bihar.
