Fri Dec 19 01:15:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing widespread condemnation after a video surfaced showing him pulling down a Muslim woman’s veil at a public event where she was receiving an appointment letter. The incident has sparked outrage from opposition parties, religious figures, and international organizations, who view it as disrespectful and a violation of the woman’s religious freedom. While some, like Union Minister Giriraj Singh, have defended Kumar’s actions, citing the need to show one’s face for identification, others have called for an unconditional apology and accountability. The controversy has also ignited debates about secularism, women’s rights, and the role of religious expression in India.

News Article:

Bihar CM Kumar Faces Backlash for Removing Woman’s Veil at Public Event

Patna, Bihar – December 19, 2025 – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is embroiled in a major controversy after a video emerged showing him removing a Muslim woman’s veil during an event to distribute appointment letters to AYUSH doctors. The incident, which occurred on Monday at the Chief Minister’s secretariat, has triggered widespread outrage across political and social spheres, with critics accusing Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions and violating the woman’s personal freedom.

The video shows Kumar approaching the woman, questioning her “naqab,” and then pulling it down. Opposition parties, religious leaders, and international organizations have strongly condemned the act, demanding an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended Kumar’s actions, arguing that individuals should show their faces for identification purposes. “Is this some Islamic country?” Singh stated, adding that Kumar acted as a guardian.

However, the incident has drawn criticism from various quarters. Congress MP Tariq Anwar called Kumar and Singh “third-rate people” with a “cheap mindset,” while NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan stated that removing the veil was “akin to disrobing a woman.” PDP leader Iltija Mufti issued a strongly worded statement condemning Singh’s remarks.

Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar also weighed in, stating that while he opposes the traditional concept of “Parda,” he could not accept Kumar’s actions and called for an unconditional apology.

Amnesty International has described the incident as an “assault on this woman’s dignity, autonomy, and identity,” warning that such actions “deepen fear, normalize discrimination, and erode the very foundations of equality and freedom of religion.” The organization called for accountability and urged authorities to ensure that no woman is subjected to such degrading treatment.

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey has attempted to downplay the controversy, stating that the ruling NDA has always worked for women’s empowerment. However, the incident continues to generate heated debate and has sparked concerns about the state of secularism and religious freedom in India.

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