Nitish Kumar Hijab Controversy: Bihar CM Sparks Outrage

A fresh political storm has erupted in Bihar following a controversial incident involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. On Monday, a video surfaced showing the Nitish Kumar hijab controversy unfolding at a public event in Patna, where the CM appeared to pull down the headscarf of a female doctor. The footage has gone viral, drawing sharp condemnation from opposition parties and reigniting debates about the 74-year-old leader's conduct and fitness for office. In this post, we break down exactly what happened, the fierce political backlash, and the broader implications for Bihar's governance.

What Happened at the Patna Event?

The incident took place on December 15, 2025, during a routine government function in Patna. The event was organized to distribute appointment certificates to AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) doctors.

According to video evidence and reports:

• The Gesture: As Kumar handed a certificate to a female doctor wearing a hijab, he gestured toward her, seemingly signaling her to remove her headscarf.
• The Act: Before the doctor could respond, the Chief Minister reached forward and physically pulled the hijab down, exposing her mouth and chin.
• The Reaction: Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was seen on camera attempting to intervene. While some laughter was audible in the background, the moment quickly turned into a major controversy once the footage hit social media.

Fierce Political Backlash

The opposition has been swift and united in its condemnation of the incident. Despite the JDU-BJP alliance's recent landslide victory in the November elections, opponents are using this event to question the administration's stance on women's rights and dignity.

RJD’s Sharp Criticism The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) issued a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter). Spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad highlighted two key concerns:

1. Constitutional Rights: He argued that forcibly removing a hijab from a woman observing purdah infringes on her constitutional right to practice her culture and religion.
2. Mental Fitness: The party linked the incident to broader concerns about the Chief Minister's mental capacity to govern.

Congress Demands Resignation The Congress party went a step further, describing the behavior as "shameful and vile." In their official statement, they questioned the safety of women in the state when the highest official displays such disregard for personal boundaries. They have demanded Nitish Kumar's immediate resignation.

A Pattern of Concerning Behavior?

This is not an isolated incident. Political analysts and critics are pointing to a pattern of behavior that has raised eyebrows in recent months.

• The Garland Controversy: Just weeks before the November elections, a similar video went viral showing Kumar garlanding a woman at a public meeting. When a JD(U) MP tried to stop him, Kumar reportedly rebuked him.
• Fitness Questions: Leaders like Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor have repeatedly raised questions about Kumar's physical and mental fitness. Kishor recently stated that his concerns were not about age, but about the capability to fulfill responsibilities.

Broader Implications for Governance

The Nitish Kumar hijab controversy moves beyond just political mudslinging; it touches on fundamental issues regarding governance in India.

• Women's Agency: The lack of consent before physical contact highlights a disregard for women's autonomy and bodily integrity.
• Religious Freedom: For many, the hijab is a deeply personal religious choice. The forced removal is being viewed by many as a violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
• Political Accountability: With the NDA holding over 200 seats in the assembly, the political fallout remains uncertain. However, the incident threatens to overshadow the government's policy agenda and focus public attention entirely on the CM's personal conduct.

Closing Section

The video of the incident continues to circulate widely, sparking outrage across platforms like X and Reddit. While the NDA enjoys a strong electoral mandate, this incident serves as a flashpoint for serious debates about leadership standards, women's rights, and religious freedom in Bihar. As the opposition ramps up pressure, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister's office for an official response.

Key Takeaways:

• Video shows Bihar CM pulling down a doctor's hijab at a Patna event.
• Opposition parties (RJD, Congress) have condemned the act as a violation of rights.
• The incident has reignited discussions on the CM's fitness for office.

What are your thoughts on this incident?

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

In the age of AI, political discourse is a primary target. Be the firewall. If a political statement sounds designed to enrage you, verify it before you react.

Rumor Tracking

• Trigger: A spliced clip circulates on Facebook.
• Viral Phase: WhatsApp University forwards it without context.
• Debunking: Fact-check websites (AltNews, BoomLive) prove it fake.
• Damage: The misinformation persists in private groups despite public correction.