The controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continues to intensify after a video surfaced showing him forcibly removing a female doctor’s hijab during an official event in Patna. The incident has sparked nationwide protests, with growing demands for an apology from the Chief Minister. Now, noted lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has strongly condemned Nitish Kumar’s actions and called for an unconditional apology.
The incident occurred during a ceremony where Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to newly appointed AYUSH doctors. When a female doctor approached the stage wearing a hijab, the Chief Minister reportedly questioned her attire and pulled down her hijab with his hands. The video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, triggering outrage across political, social, and cultural circles.
Javed Akhtar condemns Nitish Kumar’s action
Reacting to the incident, Javed Akhtar took to social media platform X to express his anger. While reiterating that he personally opposes the traditional practice of purdah, he made it clear that this does not justify what happened.
In his post, Akhtar wrote that anyone who knows him is aware of his opposition to purdah, but that does not mean he can accept the Chief Minister’s behavior toward a Muslim woman doctor. He said he strongly condemns the act and asserted that Nitish Kumar should apologize unconditionally to the woman.
Zaira Wasim also demands apology
Before Javed Akhtar’s statement, former actress Zaira Wasim, known for her role in Dangal, had also spoken out strongly against the incident. She said that a woman’s dignity should never be violated, especially in a public setting. As a Muslim woman, she said, watching another woman’s veil being pulled off so casually was deeply upsetting. Zaira emphasized that holding power does not give anyone the right to cross personal boundaries and also demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister.
What is the hijab controversy?
The controversy began when Nitish Kumar was seen interacting with a newly appointed female doctor during an official appointment letter distribution event in Patna. As she stood on stage wearing a hijab, the Chief Minister reportedly asked about it and then removed it. The act, captured on camera, has since gone viral and drawn sharp criticism.
The incident has raised serious questions about respect for personal dignity, religious freedom, and the conduct expected from constitutional authorities. As voices from across the country continue to speak out, pressure is mounting on the Bihar Chief Minister to respond and apologize publicly.
