Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's security has been Notably beefed up in the wake of the recent hijab controversy. This decision comes after intelligence agencies provided inputs suggesting that certain anti-social and criminal elements might attempt to harm or target the Chief Minister. Responding to this serious threat, top officials of the Bihar Police, including the Director General of Police (DGP), convened a high-level meeting to thoroughly review the existing security protocols. Following this review, a decision was made to immediately tighten the Chief Minister's security cordon, ensuring his enhanced protection against any potential threats.
The Incident Sparking the Controversy
This heightened security measure directly follows an incident that has ignited a major political and public debate, while just two days prior, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors. During this event, he reportedly attempted to remove the hijab from the face of a Muslim woman doctor named Nusrat. This action quickly escalated into a widespread controversy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties,. While some of his party members and a Union Minister have come to his defense.
Strong Condemnation from Opposition Leaders
Opposition leaders have vehemently criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's actions, while iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, described the act as 'very wrong treatment' towards Muslim women. She highlighted the contradiction of giving degrees on one hand and forcibly removing a hijab on the other, deeming it unacceptable, while her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also reacted strongly, expressing her shock and dismay at the Chief Minister's behavior.
Mehbooba Mufti's Shocking Statement
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti stated that despite knowing and praising Nitish Kumar personally, she was 'shocked' to see him remove a Muslim woman's veil. She questioned whether this should be attributed to 'old age' or if it signifies the 'normalization of humiliating Muslims in public. ' Mufti also expressed concern that those around the Chief Minister seemed to view this 'horrible incident' as a form of 'entertainment. ' She went as far as to suggest, 'Nitish Sahab, perhaps it's time for you to step down? ' Her remarks underscore the gravity of the incident and its significant political implications, challenging the Chief Minister's conduct and leadership.
AIMIM Also Targets Chief Minister
Asaduddin Owaisi's party, AIMIM, also launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In its statement, the party declared that the 'forcible removal' of the hijab from a respected female AYUSH doctor, Nusrat Parveen, by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is 'intolerable under any circumstances, while ' AIMIM demanded an immediate apology from the Chief Minister, stating, 'if he has any morality left, he should apologize immediately. ' This demand emphasizes the moral and religious aspects of the incident, viewing it as a serious transgression against personal and religious freedom.
Leaders Defending the Chief Minister
While the opposition has been relentless in its criticism, Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Janata Dal (United) Minister Jama Khan have come to the Chief Minister's defense. Giriraj Singh dismissed any wrongdoing in the incident. He argued that when someone comes to receive an appointment letter, why should they be afraid to show their face? He further questioned whether people don't have to show their faces when they go to vote. This statement attempts to normalize the Chief Minister's action, portraying it as an innocent and reasonable request rather than an imposition.
Jama Khan's Emotional Defense
Jama Khan, a minister from Nitish Kumar's party, offered an emotional defense of the Chief Minister. He stated that the Chief Minister 'just showed love to a Muslim daughter. ' Khan further elaborated that the Chief Minister wanted society to see the girl's face now that she has succeeded in life. This defense attempts to frame the Chief Minister's intentions positively, portraying. His action as paternal affection and encouragement, rather than a coercive act. The incident has indeed marked a new turn in Bihar politics, raising questions about the Chief Minister's image and leadership, while also sparking serious concerns regarding his personal security.
