Nitish Kumar Hijab Row: Union Minister Giriraj Singh, who came out in support of Nitish Kumar following a controversial video showing the Bihar CM pulling down a woman doctor’s hijab during an official event, today addressed the woman, reiterating that he had done “nothing wrong.” He said that verifying one’s identity in official matters is a similar requirement to voting or employment.

Speaking to the journalists, Singh said, "If someone is going to collect an appointment letter, shouldn’t their face be visible? Is this an Islamic country? Nitish Kumar acted in the role of a guardian. When you go to get a passport, don’t you show your face? When you go to the airport, don’t you show it there as well? People talk about Pakistan and England, this is India, and the rule of law will prevail here. Nitish Kumar did the right thing..."

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When asked what would happen if the girl refused to take the job, Singh retorted, “Woh refuse kare yaah jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell)."

At an event to distribute appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors on Tuesday, Nitish Kumar was first seen speaking to a doctor wearing a veil. He was then caught on camera pulling down the veil, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene and stop him.

'You Dare Not Touch Our Hijabs': Iltija Mufti On Hijab Row

Reacting to the controversy, PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, wrote on X, (formerly Twitter), “Only phenyl will work to clean this man’s filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs and naqabs of our Muslim mothers and sisters. Otherwise, we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you and your ilk will remember for all time to come.

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Amid the growing criticism from the Opposition over the Hijab row, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has been struggling to defend him, insisting that the allegations questioning the 74-year-old leader’s age and mental fitness are merely political tactics aimed at undermining the 10-time Chief Minister, who secured a commanding mandate just a month ago.

Kumar’s party colleague and Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan also defended the Chief Minister stating, “Nitish-ji was simply showing affection to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to see her face after she achieved success in life.” Accusing the Opposition and some Muslim leaders of attempting to malign Kumar, Khan added that anyone criticising him should recognise that he always shows the utmost respect to his daughters.”


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