Hijab Row: Giriraj Singh Backs Nitish, Sparks Fresh Outrage
BJP minister’s remarks defending Bihar CM draw sharp backlash from opposition and women leaders
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Dec: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday strongly defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the ongoing hijab controversy, asserting that Kumar had “done nothing wrong” by asking a Muslim woman doctor to show her face while receiving her appointment letter. Singh’s remarks, however, triggered fresh outrage and sharp reactions from opposition leaders and women’s rights voices.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said identity verification is a routine requirement in public life. “If anyone goes to take an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation? This is India, and only Indian laws will work here,” he said. Comparing the situation to passport verification and airport security checks, Singh claimed Nitish Kumar was acting “like a guardian” and had committed no wrongdoing.
Asked what if the woman had refused to comply, Singh responded with a remark that drew widespread condemnation. “Woh refuse kare yaah jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell),” he said before walking away.
The comments drew an immediate backlash. Iltija Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, issued a scathing response on X, warning Singh against making derogatory remarks about Muslim women and calling his language unacceptable.
The controversy stems from an event on Tuesday where Nitish Kumar, while distributing appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors, was seen pulling down the hijab of a woman doctor on stage. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene, but the video went viral, sparking criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, which accused the Chief Minister of violating the woman’s dignity.
The Janata Dal (United) has sought to defend Kumar, arguing that the criticism is politically motivated and linked to allegations about his age and health. Minority Welfare Minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan said the Chief Minister’s intent was being misrepresented. “Nitish-ji just showed love to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to see the face of the girl after she became successful in life,” Khan said, accusing the opposition and some Muslim leaders of trying to defame the Chief Minister.
The issue further escalated after NDA ally Nishad Party leader and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad made controversial remarks in a television interview, suggesting critics were overreacting and making an inappropriate hypothetical reference to physical contact. His comments drew strong criticism and added to the growing political storm.
