Thu Dec 18 11:59:38 UTC 2025: News Article:
Bihar Chief Minister Faces Outrage After Forcibly Removing Doctor’s Hijab
Patna, India – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing widespread condemnation after a video surfaced showing him forcibly removing the hijab of a Muslim doctor during a government event. The incident occurred on Monday at a ceremony in Patna where the doctor was receiving her appointment letter.
The video, which quickly went viral, shows Kumar pointing at the doctor’s hijab and asking her to remove it. Before she could respond, Kumar reached out and pulled the hijab down, exposing her face, as other officials present on stage laughed.
The incident has sparked outrage from opposition parties, Muslim groups, and human rights organizations. Critics are calling for Kumar’s resignation, accusing him of disrespecting religious freedom and women’s dignity.
“This is an assault on this woman’s dignity, autonomy, and identity,” said Aakar Patel, India head of Amnesty International. “No one has the right to police a woman’s faith or clothing.”
Opposition parties, like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party, have strongly condemned Kumar’s actions, questioning his mental state and accusing him of aligning with far-right Hindu nationalist ideologies.
The incident also drew criticism internationally, with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister calling it “shameful” and “extremely disturbing.”
Kumar’s party, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), defended the Chief Minister, stating that he has always “supported the minorities.” However, the party did not directly address the incident.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate in India over the wearing of hijabs, particularly in educational institutions.
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