Jammu, December 16, 2025: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing mounting calls to resign after he was widely criticized for forcibly removing the hijab of a Muslim female doctor during an official ceremony in the state.
According to media reports, the incident occurred at the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday, when the doctor had arrived to receive her appointment letter. Visuals and eyewitness accounts showed Kumar pulling off her hijab, sparking widespread condemnation.
Opposition parties described the act as humiliating, misogynistic, and a violation of the constitutional rights of Muslim women. The Indian National Congress demanded Kumar’s immediate resignation, posting on X: “This is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Look at his shameless conduct. A female doctor came to receive her appointment letter and he forcibly removed her hijab. This misconduct is unforgivable and he must resign.”
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also criticized the chief minister, with spokesperson Ijaz Ahmed stating that Kumar’s mental condition had reached a “pitiful state.” Ahmed emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, which was breached by Kumar’s actions.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) called the act unacceptable and demanded a public apology, saying it raised serious concerns about the safety, dignity, and respect of Muslim women in India.
Social media erupted in outrage, with users accusing the BJP-led government and its allies of promoting Islamophobia and legitimizing discriminatory behavior. Critics also highlighted past controversies involving Kumar that offended religious sentiments.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, dismissed the criticism, accusing opposition parties of political opportunism and double standards.
The incident has intensified debates over religious rights, gender equality, and political accountability in India, with pressure mounting on Nitish Kumar to respond publicly.
