Intense backlash has erupted on social media following a viral video showing the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, removing a Muslim female doctor’s hijab during an official ceremony.

This biased incident occurred at a government event where the Bihar Chief Minister was distributing certificates to doctors. In the video, the Chief Minister can be seen first gesturing to the female doctor to remove her hijab; before she could react, he reached out and pulled the hijab down himself.

Reaction from Zaira Wasim

Former Bollywood actress Zaira Wasim has expressed strong indignation over the incident. In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, she described the Chief Minister’s actions as an insult to women and a violation of personal boundaries.

A woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman’s niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating.
Power does not grant permission to violate…
— Zaira Wasim (@ZairaWasimmm) December 15, 2025

The actress stated that power and authority do not give anyone the right to violate a woman’s dignity and modesty.

Musalman aurat Ka nakabutana bahut buri baat hai pic.twitter.com/IkEIQBQYlu
— Arslan khalid (@Arslank09098197) December 16, 2025

Zaira Wasim has demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister to the affected doctor.

Political Backlash

It is worth noting that Nitish Kumar is facing severe criticism across political circles for this “demeaning act.”

The Congress Party has termed the act “shameful.”

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has raised serious questions regarding the Chief Minister’s behavior and mental state.

A Chief Minister is expected to uphold dignity, consent, and constitutional values at all times. Touching or pulling a woman’s hijab while publicly honoring her is not respect-it is a violation of personal, cultural, and religious boundaries.
— Saquib Khan (@saquibkhan_1410) December 16, 2025