Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing widespread criticism after a video from a recent public event triggered outrage on social media. The controversy erupted after Kumar was seen pulling at the hijab of a Muslim woman during the programme, drawing sharp reactions from across the country.
The incident has prompted strong responses from several public figures. Actors and former celebrities Zaira Wasim, Rakhi Sawant and Sana Khan were among those who criticised the act. Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has now joined the chorus, expressing his anger through a strongly worded post on social media.
Talking to X, Akhtar reiterated his long-held views while firmly condemning the incident. “Anyone who knows me, even casually, is aware of how strongly I oppose the traditional concept of parda. But that does not mean I can accept what Mr Nitish Kumar did to a Muslim woman doctor,” he wrote earlier. He went on to add, “I still stand by my words, but what Nitish has done is indecent, immoral and illegal. I condemn it. You can’t take this kind of liberty with any woman.”
Akhtar further said that the Bihar Chief Minister owes the woman an unconditional apology, stressing that personal beliefs can never justify disrespect or intrusion into a woman’s dignity.
The incident occurred on December 15 during a government event where Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors. As one of the recipients stepped forward wearing a hijab, Kumar allegedly asked her to remove it and was seen attempting to pull it down with his hand.
A video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread anger and debate over personal freedom, consent and the conduct expected from public officials. Many have described the act as inappropriate and unacceptable, particularly coming from a senior political leader at an official function.
