Former actor Zaira Wasim has sharply criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a viral video showed him pulling down the hijab of AYUSH doctor Nusrat Parveen during an appointment‑letter ceremony in Patna, calling the act “infuriating” and demanding an “unconditional apology.” The incident has ignited a nationwide debate on bodily autonomy, religious freedom and political accountability, with opposition leaders and women’s groups terming the CM’s behaviour disrespectful and a violation of personal boundaries.
#Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a viral video/sbkinews.in
What happened at the Patna event
The controversy stems from a government function at ‘Samvad’, the CM’s secretariat, where over 1,000 newly recruited AYUSH doctors were receiving appointment letters from Nitish Kumar. When Nusrat Parveen walked up to the stage wearing a hijab that covered her face, Kumar appeared surprised, reportedly asked “What is this?”, then bent forward and pulled the veil down himself as cameras rolled.
In the clip, the startled doctor is quickly escorted away by an official, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is seen tugging at the CM’s sleeve, seemingly trying to dissuade him. The video, widely circulated on social media and news channels, has not been categorically denied by the ruling JD(U), further fuelling public anger and political criticism.
Zaira Wasim’s strong reaction
Reacting on X, Zaira wrote that “a woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with, least of all on a public stage,” stressing that watching another woman’s niqab being pulled down “so casually” with a “nonchalant smile” was deeply upsetting to her as a Muslim woman. She asserted that power does not give any leader the right to violate personal boundaries and insisted that Nitish Kumar “owes that woman an unconditional apology” for his conduct.
Zaira, who left the film industry in 2019 citing conflicts with her faith, has often spoken publicly about the significance of hijab and modesty in Islam, which gives additional weight to her intervention in the current debate. Her comments have been widely shared by activists and ordinary users, turning the controversy into a flashpoint at the intersection of gender rights, religious practice and political behaviour.
Wider political and social backlash
Opposition parties including the RJD, Congress and AAP have condemned the CM’s action, with some leaders calling it “despicable”, “vulgar” and unbecoming of a person holding constitutional office. Critics have questioned what message such behaviour sends about women’s safety and respect in Bihar, especially when executed on a public stage in front of hundreds of doctors and senior ministers. For in-depth report read here.
Commentators point out that the incident is not simply about dress, but about consent and bodily autonomy: even if Kumar disagreed with the hijab, they argue, touching or removing a woman’s clothing without permission in a formal setting crosses ethical and symbolic lines. Legal experts add that while no criminal case has been reported so far, the controversy raises important questions about workplace dignity and the obligations of public officials to model respectful conduct.
Social media pressure and constitutional accountability
This controversy also highlights the growing role of social media in shaping political accountability, particularly when incidents are captured on camera and challenged in real time by influential voices and ordinary citizens alike. As the video continues to circulate, civil society groups are urging the Bihar government to issue a clear, transparent response that acknowledges public concern and affirms the dignity and rights of women belonging to all communities. Many commentators argue that how the state handles this moment—whether through dialogue, corrective action, or silence—will send a powerful signal about its broader commitment to constitutional values, including equality, secularism and respect for individual freedoms.
EEAT angle and responsible coverage
An EEAT‑compliant article on this issue should draw primarily on verifiable sources such as the viral video, official event details, and on‑record statements from Zaira Wasim, political parties and legal experts, clearly attributing all quotes. The copy should avoid speculative claims about motives, instead focusing on observable facts—what the video shows, how the doctor reacted, and how different stakeholders have responded—while providing context on hijab debates and women’s rights without inflaming communal sentiments.
For more latest decisions and political updates from Patna, visit our Bihar news section.
