Nitish Kumar Hijab Controversy: Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video showing him pulling down a woman doctor’s hijab at a public event in Patna went viral on social media. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with several public figures and social media users calling it a violation of personal dignity and boundaries.
The controversial incident took place during an official ceremony at Samvad Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s secretariat in Patna, where appointment letters were being distributed to over 1,000 AYUSH doctors. When one of the appointees, Nusrat Parveen, approached the stage wearing a hijab covering her face, Nitish Kumar reportedly questioned her attire. In the viral clip, the Chief Minister is seen gesturing towards her headscarf and saying, “What is this?” Moments later, he reaches out and pulls down the hijab himself, briefly exposing her face. An official quickly intervened and guided the woman away, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to tug at Kumar’s sleeve in an attempt to stop him.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled the veil of a woman while distributing appointment letters to Ayush practitioners. Even Deputy CM tried to stop him. He wouldn't have done this if he was in his sense. There are several such videos of him behaving awkwardly. pic.twitter.com/M3za0FkQFe
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 15, 2025
Javed Akhtar Demands Apology From Nitish Kumar Over Hijab Incident
Reacting to the incident, Javed Akhtar took to X (formerly Twitter) and condemned the Chief Minister’s actions in clear terms. While acknowledging his personal views on religious practices, Akhtar stressed that no ideology can justify invading a woman’s personal space. In his post, he wrote, “Every one who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda but it doesn’t mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor. I condemn it in very strong words. Mr Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady.” Akhtar’s statement quickly gained traction online, with many users praising him for speaking up despite holding differing views on the subject.
Every one who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda but it doesn’t mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor . I condemn it in very strong words . Mr…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) December 18, 2025
Zaira Wasim Slams Nitish Kumar Over Hijab Incident
Former actor Zaira Wasim, best known for her role in Dangal, also criticised the incident. Sharing her reaction on X, she highlighted the issue of consent and dignity. Her post read, “A woman's dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman's niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating. Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar owes that woman an unconditional apology.”
A woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman’s niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating.
— Zaira Wasim (@ZairaWasimmm) December 15, 2025
Power does not grant permission to violate…
The video has triggered intense debate across social media and political circles. As of now, Nitish Kumar has not issued any official apology or clarification regarding the incident.