Overview of the Bihar CM Hijab Incident: What Happened During the Ceremony?

A highly controversial incident in Bihar, India, has captured widespread public attention and generated intense political and social debate both domestically and internationally. On December 15, 2025, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was filmed removing the hijab of a Muslim woman, Dr. Nusrat Parveen, during an official event held in Patna, triggering criticism, political backlash, and a broader conversation about consent, dignity, and minority rights

What Happened at the Event

The incident occurred at a government function where the Bihar Chief Minister was distributing appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors—medical professionals in disciplines such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani. As Dr. Nusrat Parveen, a Muslim female doctor, stepped forward to receive her appointment letter, footage shows CM Nitish Kumar motioning toward her hijab. When she explained it was her hijab, he reportedly asked her to remove it and then pulled it down himself in full public view, exposing her chin and mouth before officials quickly moved her off the stage.

Video clips of the moment spread rapidly on social media, amplifying the public’s reaction and raising immediate concerns about personal boundaries and respect for religious expression during an official state ceremony.

Political Reactions and Backlash

The act drew sharp criticism from political parties across India. Opposition parties described the act as disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official. The Indian National Congress called the incident “utterly disrespectful,” asserting that it damaged Bihar’s image and undermined the dignity of women under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Meanwhile, opposition figures, including leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the All India Majlis‑e‑Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), demanded answers and public condemnation of the event.

A police complaint was also filed in Lucknow by a Samajwadi Party spokesperson against Nitish Kumar and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad over the incident, claiming it was inappropriate and hurt the dignity of Muslim women. This complaint highlights the sensitive legal and societal dimensions of the episode.

Public Figures Condemn the Act

Several prominent public voices voiced their condemnation. Former Bollywood actress Zaira Wasim, known for her outspoken support of personal dignity and religious respect, demanded an unconditional apology from the chief minister, describing the act as a violation of boundaries and dignity. Wasim emphasized that “power does not grant permission to violate boundaries,” stressing the importance of respect for individual rights.

International human rights organizations also weighed in. Amnesty International India condemned the act as an assault on dignity and autonomy, stating that no one has the right to disrespect clothing or religious symbols belonging to another individual. Such reactions illustrate the broader human rights concerns raised by the incident.

Government and Allied Responses

In the face of mounting criticism, some members and allies of the ruling coalition attempted to defend or contextualize the chief minister’s actions. A leader from the Janata Dal (United), the party led by Nitish Kumar, offered a controversial explanation suggesting that the intention was to make a “better visual” for the audience—a statement that itself triggered further debate and backlash due to its perceived insensitivity given the religious context of the hijab.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad made an attempt to downplay his earlier comments defending the act, clarifying that his remarks were misinterpreted, though political opponents labeled his defense as insensitive and misogynistic.

Social and Cultural Impact

The episode has sparked intense discussions across social media platforms, comment sections, and public forums. Many commentators, particularly on online platforms, condemned the act as not only disrespectful but fundamentally an issue of personal autonomy and consent. Several commenters noted that such actions can have broader implications on how women, especially from minority communities, feel in public and professional spaces, raising questions about safety and respect within official functions.

The event also reignited debates around religious freedom and the right to wear religious attire, a topic that resonates deeply in a diverse democratic society like India. Critics argue that forcibly removing a religious symbol, even in a local political context, carries the risk of marginalizing minority communities and eroding trust in public institutions.

International and Diplomatic Reactions

The hijab removal incident did not remain confined to Indian borders. In Pakistan, senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar publicly condemned the act, calling it “extremely disturbing” and emphasizing the need to safeguard minority rights and curb discrimination. Such international reactions underline how events involving religious sensitivities extend beyond national politics and can influence diplomatic discourse. The Express Tribune

Broader Implications and Next Steps

What began as a routine government ceremony has become a focal point for public debate about dignity, respect, religious freedom, and the appropriate conduct of public officials. The controversy has prompted legal complaints, political backlash, public apologies demanded, and statements from civil society and international organizations.

For ongoing updates on this and related political controversies in India, reliable news portals such as NDTV’s India news section provide comprehensive coverage with verified reports and video summaries. Visit NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/news/india.

Conclusion

The incident involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulling the hijab of a Muslim woman at a public ceremony has resonated far beyond Bihar’s political scene. It has ignited conversations on respect for personal choices, cultural and religious identity, and the responsibilities of political leaders in democratic societies. The reactions from political parties, activists, public figures, and international observers reflect the deep sensitivities surrounding—and global attention on—issues of religious expression and individual dignity in contemporary public life.

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