Deeply Disturbing: Kashmir leaders demand apology after Nitish Kumar pulls down doctor's hijab
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, have strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding an unconditional apology over the controversial hijab incident.
Mehbooba Mufti criticised Nitish Kumar sharply over a controversial incident in which he was seen pulling down the hijab of a young AYUSH doctor while receiving an appointment letter.
Mufti called the incident shocking and deeply disturbing. She wrote on X that she had personally known and admired Nitish Kumar for years, but was taken aback by the visuals of the incident.
Medical Dialogues yesterday reported that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked a row on Monday after he was seen removing the hijab (veil) of a newly recruited AYUSH doctor while distributing appointment letters at Samvad, the Chief Minister’s secretariat. A purported video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, was shared by the opposition parties, including the RJD and the Congress, who questioned the Chief Minister's mental stability.
Also Read:Video of Bihar CM pulling down hijab of AYUSH doctor sparks political row
She questioned whether such behaviour could be attributed to old age or reflected what she described as the growing normalisation of "publicly humiliating" Muslims.
According to an IANS report, she said, "The most unsettling aspect was that people around him watched this horrific incident unfold as some form of entertainment, raising serious concerns about the sensitivity and conduct expected from public representatives".
Taking a strong political stand, the PDP chief suggested that the Bihar Chief Minister should introspect and consider stepping down, stating that such actions undermine the dignity of minorities and erode public trust in democratic leadership.
Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also took exception to CM Nitish Kumar's conduct.
Ruhullah said on X, "The conduct displayed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, publicly pulling at a Muslim woman's burqa, is indefensible and deeply disturbing. He owes the woman and the public an unconditional apology. This erratic conduct is alarming and points to a man who no longer possesses the composure or mental clarity required for constitutional office. Seeking medical attention and stepping aside is necessary", reports IANS.
The incident has evoked sharp reactions on social media and political circles, calling into question the conduct of the senior leader's respect for personal and religious dignity and accountability in public life. In a viral video, CM Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman during a felicitation event, 'Samvad', at the CM's secretariat, where appointment letters were given to more than 1,000 AYUSH doctors.
