Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing mounting criticism and public outrage after an incident at an official government ceremony in which he removed the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor, an act widely condemned as a violation of religious freedom, personal dignity, and constitutional rights.

The incident occurred on Monday at the Chief Minister’s Office in Patna during a formal event organized to distribute appointment letters to newly recruited doctors. According to opposition leaders and eyewitness accounts, Kumar’s action toward the Muslim woman doctor was deeply disrespectful and infringed upon her right to observe her religious beliefs.

Political parties, civil society voices, and social media users have strongly criticized the chief minister, describing the incident as an assault on the dignity of Muslim women and an alarming example of disregard for Islamic values and religious sensitivities.

The Indian National Congress demanded Kumar’s immediate resignation, stating that the incident reflects a serious failure to respect women’s autonomy and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion. The party described the act as “unacceptable” and said it exposed growing intolerance toward Muslim identity in public institutions.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) echoed the condemnation, stressing that the Indian Constitution explicitly protects every citizen’s right to practise and express their religion. RJD leaders said no public official, regardless of rank, has the authority to interfere with a woman’s religious attire, especially in a state function meant to honor professional achievement.

Photographs later shared on Nitish Kumar’s official social media accounts did not include images of the Muslim woman involved, raising further questions and criticism over transparency and accountability.

Kumar, a veteran politician and president of the Janata Dal (United), has previously been criticized for his conduct at public events. Opposition parties argue that this latest incident fits a troubling pattern of behavior that undermines decorum and respect, particularly toward women.

The hijab, a symbol of modesty, faith, and identity for millions of Muslim women, has increasingly become a target of political controversy in India. Muslim leaders and rights advocates have warned that such incidents contribute to an environment of marginalization and hostility against the Muslim community.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which currently supports Kumar’s government in Bihar, rejected the opposition’s accusations, claiming political motives behind the criticism. The BJP said it remains committed to women’s dignity and empowerment, though critics questioned this stance in light of repeated controversies involving Muslim women’s religious rights.

The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media and intensified political tensions in Bihar, a state already marked by shifting alliances and fierce ideological divides.

Nitish Kumar, one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers, returned to power last year after rejoining the BJP-led alliance, ending a previous partnership with opposition parties. As of now, Kumar’s office has issued no formal response to the allegations or to the growing demands for his resignation.

Muslim organizations and rights activists continue to call for accountability, stressing that respect for Islamic practices and the dignity of Muslim women is non-negotiable in any society that claims to uphold justice, equality, and constitutional values. (ILKHA)