Delhi: The political storm surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar intensified on Thursday, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh coming out strongly in his defence after a controversial moment at a government event sparked widespread criticism. The incident, involving a woman doctor wearing a hijab, has triggered sharp reactions across party lines and reopened a larger debate on personal dignity, consent and religious sensitivity in public life.
The controversy began after a video from a recent official programme in Patna went viral on social media. The event was organised to distribute appointment letters to more than 1,200 AYUSH doctors. In the footage, the Chief Minister is seen interacting with a woman doctor whose face was partially covered. During the brief exchange, Kumar appears to lower her veil, an action that immediately drew public attention and criticism.
Opposition parties and several civil society voices described the act as inappropriate, arguing that a public function does not give anyone the right to interfere with a woman’s personal choice or religious expression. The issue quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, dominating headlines and social media discussions.
Responding to the growing backlash, Union Minister Giriraj Singh dismissed the criticism and questioned the outrage surrounding the incident. Speaking to reporters, he argued that there was nothing objectionable in asking someone to show their face while receiving an official document. He compared the situation to identification requirements during voting, suggesting that the matter was being unnecessarily politicised.
Senior BJP leaders echoed a similar tone. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the Chief Minister’s actions were being viewed out of context. He pointed to Nitish Kumar’s long political record, claiming that the leader has consistently worked for women’s empowerment and social reform. According to Sinha, judging his intent based on a single moment was unfair.
Leaders from Nitish Kumar’s own party, the Janata Dal (United), also attempted to contain the fallout. Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan described the gesture as misunderstood and said the Chief Minister’s intention was not to insult or offend. He accused opposition parties of deliberately fuelling controversy to damage Kumar’s image and polarise public opinion.
However, the situation became more complicated after remarks made by Uttar Pradesh minister and NDA ally Sanjay Nishad while defending the Chief Minister. His comments, made during a media interaction, were widely criticised for being insensitive and inappropriate. The statement triggered fresh outrage, forcing the alliance into damage-control mode.
Sensing an opportunity, the opposition has gone on the offensive. The Congress questioned the Chief Minister’s judgement and demanded accountability, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal accused the ruling alliance of hiding behind the language of development and women’s empowerment while failing to respect individual rights.
