‘CM Loves Children’: JD(U) Defends Nitish Kumar Amid Row Over Pulling Down Doctor's Hijab

Last Updated:December 16, 2025, 12:04 IST

Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM termed the act intolerable and demanded an immediate apology.

JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar at a meeting of party leaders on Wednesday. [JD(U)]

The Janata Dal (United) has come out in defence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video showing him pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor at a public event triggered widespread outrage. The incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the Chief Minister of disrespecting women and violating personal and religious freedom.

Minority minister backs chief minister

Zama Khan, Bihar’s Minority Welfare Minister and a senior JDU leader, said the Chief Minister’s actions were being misrepresented. He claimed Nitish Kumar respects women and children and had acted out of affection, not ill intent. According to Khan, the Chief Minister wanted the world to see the face of a successful Muslim daughter. He accused the opposition and some leaders from the Muslim community of trying to defame Kumar for political gain.

Khan said those questioning the Chief Minister’s mental health were exposing their own mindset. He added that Nitish Kumar has consistently worked for the dignity and empowerment of women in Bihar.

Bihar CM: "What is this?"Muslim woman: "It's Hijab, sir."Bihar CM: "Remove it!"Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled open the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor Nusrat Parveen on stage while distributing appointment letters to Ayush practitioners in the state!@SachinGuptaUP reports pic.twitter.com/7ExxPwP4fw— The Muslim Spaces (@TheMuslimSpaces) December 15, 2025

What happened at the event?

The incident took place during a government event where Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to more than 1,200 AYUSH doctors. As a woman doctor wearing a hijab approached him, the Chief Minister was seen speaking to her and seemingly asking her to remove the veil. Before she could respond, he pulled down her hijab, revealing her face. Some people in the background were seen laughing, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene.

The Congress strongly criticised the Chief Minister, calling his action “vile" and demanding his resignation. The party said the incident raised serious questions about women’s safety and dignity in Bihar. The Rashtriya Janata Dal also condemned the act, with spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad saying it reflected the attitude of the JDU-BJP coalition towards women and religious freedom.

AIMIM demands apology

Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM termed the act intolerable and demanded an immediate apology. The party questioned how women could feel safe if such behaviour came from the Chief Minister. AIMIM said respecting women also means respecting their choice to observe hijab, which is protected under the Constitution.

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