Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hijab controversy has triggered widespread anger across India after a video surfaced showing the chief minister pulling the hijab of a Muslim woman during a government appointment ceremony in Patna. The incident, which occurred on December 18, 2025, has reignited intense debates around religious freedom, consent, and hijab politics in India.
The viral footage has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, civil rights groups, and social media users, many of whom have called the act humiliating, inappropriate, and unconstitutional.
What Happened at the Government Event in Patna
The Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hijab controversy has quickly become a national talking point, with political leaders and rights activists demanding accountability. Many observers say the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hijab controversy highlights deeper concerns about how authority figures treat religious symbols in public spaces, especially when the individual involved belongs to a minority community. The controversial moment took place during an official ceremony where appointment letters were being distributed to newly selected doctors of alternative medicine. In the widely circulated video, Nitish Kumar, holding an official document, gestures toward a Muslim woman’s hijab and then pulls it down, briefly exposing her face in front of the audience.
What has further fueled public outrage is the reaction of other officials present on stage. Several appeared to laugh or remain passive, making only minimal attempts to stop the chief minister’s actions. The woman, visibly uncomfortable, did not resist, raising serious questions about power imbalance and public humiliation.
Video Goes Viral, Opposition Reacts Strongly
The video was first shared online by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar’s main opposition party. Soon after, it spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Opposition leaders accused Nitish Kumar of violating personal dignity and religious rights, calling the incident unacceptable in a democratic society. Activists and legal experts emphasized that no public official has the authority to touch or remove a person’s religious attire, especially during an official function.
Nitish Kumar, BJP Alliance, and Hijab Politics
The Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hijab controversy has gained additional political significance due to his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has previously supported restrictions on hijab use in certain public spaces, a stance that has been criticized by minority rights groups.
Nitish Kumar, 74, has served as Bihar’s chief minister for most of the past two decades and is known for frequently shifting political alliances. Critics argue that this incident reflects a broader political environment where Muslim identity and religious symbols are increasingly scrutinized.
Broader Context: Hijab Debate in India
This episode comes amid ongoing national debates surrounding the hijab in India. In 2022, the Karnataka government imposed restrictions on hijab use in classrooms, sparking protests across the country. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court of India, which delivered a split verdict, leaving the issue unresolved.
India is home to nearly 200 million Muslims, making it one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. For many, the hijab represents religious identity, personal choice, and constitutional protection. Incidents like this have intensified fears about shrinking spaces for religious expression.
Public and Civil Rights Response
Civil rights organizations, women’s rights activists, and legal scholars have strongly condemned the incident. Many described the act as a breach of personal autonomy and dignity, particularly because it occurred in a public and official setting.
Social media users questioned why protocols and safeguards failed, and why no senior official immediately intervened. The silence from the state government following the incident has further amplified criticism.
Legal and Ethical Questions Raised
Legal experts argue that the incident may violate Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. Ethical concerns have also been raised about consent, especially when a powerful authority figure interacts with a citizen during a formal event.
The controversy has renewed calls for clearer guidelines to protect individuals from religious discrimination and public humiliation, particularly at government functions.
Why This Incident Matters Nationally
The Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hijab controversy is not just about one moment caught on camera. It reflects deeper tensions around state power, minority rights, and respect for personal freedoms in India’s political landscape.
As India approaches several important elections, such incidents are likely to shape public discourse, influence voter sentiment, and test the country’s commitment to its secular and democratic values.
Source: Al Jazeera
For the latest updates from India, visit our India news page.