Union Minister Giriraj Singh has strongly defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video surfaced showing Kumar pulling down a veiled woman’s hijab during a public function. The incident, which occurred at an event distributing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors, triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society. Singh asserted that Kumar had committed no wrongdoing, arguing that identity verification is a routine requirement for official processes.

‘This Is India, Not Elsewhere’: Singh’s Remarks

Addressing reporters, Singh questioned why showing one’s face should be an issue when accepting an appointment letter, comparing it to procedures followed while voting, obtaining a passport, or boarding a flight. He stressed that Indian laws apply uniformly and framed Kumar’s actions as those of a “guardian.” Singh further courted controversy with a harsh remark suggesting the woman could either accept the job or face dire consequences, before leaving the interaction abruptly.

Only phenyl will work to clean this man’s filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs & naqabs of our Muslim mothers & sisters. Otherwise we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you & your ilk will remember for all times to come. https://t.co/xOrFQ1uMaW

— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) December 18, 2025

“What’s wrong with what he did?” Singh told reporters when asked about the matter. “If one has come to take an appointment letter, why should she be scared of showing her face? Don’t you have to show your face when you go to vote?” the BJP leader

“Nitish Kumar has done nothing wrong,” Singh reiterated today.

“If anyone goes to take an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation? Nitish ji was acting as a guardian… If you go to take your passport, or go to the airport, do you not show your face? You talk about Pakistan and ‘Englishtan’. This is India and only Indian laws will work here. Nitish Kumar did nothing wrong,” he told journalists.

Asked what if the girl had refused to take the job, Singh shot back, “Woh refuse kare yaah jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell)” before stalking off.

The backlash has already started.

“Only phenyl will work to clean this man’s filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs & naqabs of our Muslim mothers & sisters. Otherwise we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you & your ilk will remember for all times to come,” PDP’s Iltija Mufti, daughter of J&K’s former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Opposition, Leaders React Strongly

The comments sparked immediate backlash. PDP leader Iltija Mufti condemned Singh’s language, calling it offensive and threatening consequences if Muslim women’s religious attire was disrespected. Opposition parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress intensified attacks on Kumar, questioning his conduct and judgment, while his party denied allegations linking the incident to age.

JD(U) and Allies Offer Conflicting Defences

Within the ruling alliance, responses varied. Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan defended Kumar, claiming the chief minister acted out of affection and respect, wanting society to see the face of a successful Muslim woman. However, NDA ally and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad added fuel to the controversy with a crude remark suggesting the reaction would have been worse had Kumar touched the woman elsewhere.

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad on Tuesday sparked fresh controversy with insensitive comments on the act. In an interview to a news outlet, Nishad said: “He is also a man… why is there so much controversy over removing a naqab? His hands only touched her face. If his hands had touched somewhere else, what would have happened then?”

“Arey, woh bhi toh aadmi hain na, peeche nahi padna chahiye. Naqab chhoo diya toh itna ho gaya…kahin aur chhoo dete toh kya ho jaata (He is a man after all. One should not hound him like this. If touching the ‘hijab’ caused such an uproar, what would have happened if he had touched elsewhere),” he said.

Apologies, Complaints, and Legal Moves

Following public outrage, Nishad later said his remarks were misinterpreted and expressed willingness to retract them. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sumaiyya Rana filed a police complaint in Lucknow against Kumar and Nishad, seeking an FIR. She said the incident angered many women, particularly those who wear the hijab, and demanded accountability.

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