Hijab Row: Union minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar, sparks fresh outrage

Reiterating his support, Singh said Nitish Kumar had “done nothing wrong” and argued that identity verification was a routine requirement in official processes.

“If someone goes to receive an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation? This is India, and Indian laws will apply here,” Singh told reporters, adding that the Chief Minister was acting “like a guardian.”

Singh compared the incident to procedures followed while obtaining passports or travelling through airports, insisting there was no misconduct on Kumar’s part.

However, his remarks escalated tensions when, responding to a question about whether the woman could have refused the job, he said, “She can refuse or go to hell,” before walking away.

The comments drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders and civil society. PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, condemned Singh’s remarks in a post on X, accusing him of making derogatory statements and warning against interference with Muslim women’s religious attire.

The controversy stems from an event on Tuesday where Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors. During the ceremony, Kumar was seen interacting with a woman doctor wearing a veil and briefly pulling it down, even as Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene.

The incident has sparked criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, while Kumar’s party, the Janata Dal (United), has sought to defend the Chief Minister.

Party leaders have dismissed claims questioning Kumar’s judgment or health as politically motivated attacks on the 74-year-old leader, who recently returned to power with a strong mandate.

Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan said the Chief Minister’s action was misinterpreted, claiming Kumar intended to express pride in the woman’s success and had always respected women, particularly daughters.

He accused opposition leaders and some Muslim representatives of attempting to defame the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, remarks by NDA ally and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad further fuelled the controversy. Speaking to a local television channel, Nishad questioned the outrage, making comments that drew criticism for being insensitive and inappropriate.

The row continues to intensify, with political reactions mounting over issues of consent, dignity, and respect for religious practices in public life.