Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has landed in the middle of a major political and social controversy after a video from an official event in Patna went viral on social media.
The incident took place during an appointment letter distribution ceremony for AYUSH doctors at ‘Samvad’, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. What was meant to be a routine government function quickly turned into a flashpoint over personal dignity, women’s safety, and religious freedom.
The video shows Nitish Kumar interacting with a woman doctor wearing a hijab. Moments later, he is seen gesturing at her headscarf and pulling it down. The clip spread rapidly online, triggering outrage across political parties and social media platforms.
What Happened at the AYUSH Doctors’ Appointment Event?
The event was organised to hand over appointment letters to 1,283 AYUSH doctors appointed by the Bihar government.
When Nusrat Parveen stepped forward to receive her appointment letter, she appeared with her face covered by a hijab. The 75-year-old Chief Minister reacted visibly and questioned her attire.
यह क्या हो गया है नीतीश जी को?
मानसिक स्थिति बिल्कुल ही अब दयनीय स्थिति में पहुंच चुकी है या नीतीश बाबू अब 100% संघी हो चुके हैं?@yadavtejashwi #RJD #bihar #TejashwiYadav pic.twitter.com/vRyqUaKhwm— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) December 15, 2025
He exclaimed, “What is this?” and asked her to remove the headscarf. When she did not respond immediately, he pulled it down himself.
An official quickly intervened and moved the woman away. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who stood beside Kumar, was seen tugging at his sleeve in what appeared to be an attempt to stop him.
Opposition Reacts Strongly to Viral Video
Opposition parties wasted no time in attacking the Chief Minister.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shared the video on X and questioned Nitish Kumar’s conduct and state of mind.
“What has happened to Nitish ji? Has his mental condition now reached a completely pathetic state, or has Nitish Babu now become 100% Sanghi?” the party wrote.
The Congress also shared the clip and demanded Kumar’s resignation. In a strongly worded post, the party wrote:
“This is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Look at his shamelessness – when a lady doctor came to collect her appointment letter, Nitish Kumar pulled her hijab. The man holding the highest office in Bihar is openly committing such despicable acts. Imagine how safe women will be in the state? Nitish Kumar should resign immediately for this despicable act. This vulgarity is unforgivable.”
Women Leaders Call It Public Harassment
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also condemned the incident.
Calling it unacceptable behaviour, she said, “This is absolutely condemnable, and forcing a woman’s veil down is nothing but public harassment of a woman by the elected CM.”
Her comment added to growing criticism that the act crossed personal, cultural, and constitutional boundaries.
Who Was Present at the Event?
Several senior leaders were present during the ceremony, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Health Minister Mangal Pandey and other Bihar government ministers.
According to official details, the appointment drive included 685 Ayurveda doctors, 393 Homeopathy doctors, and 205 Unani practitioners.
Only 10 doctors received appointment letters directly from Nitish Kumar. The remaining candidates received their letters through an online process.
Why the Row Refuses to Die Down
The controversy continues to dominate political debate in Bihar. Many see it as a question of women’s dignity rather than politics. Others argue it reflects a worrying disregard for personal choice in public spaces.
As reactions pour in, pressure is mounting on the Chief Minister to respond and explain his actions.
