Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad came out in defence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar amid the controversy over an incident in which Kumar was seen removing the hijab of a Muslim woman during an official programme. Nishad argued that the matter was being blown out of proportion and questioned why there was so much outrage over the act.
However, in the process of justifying Kumar’s behaviour, Nishad himself sparked widespread criticism due to what many described as crude, misogynistic and deeply insensitive remarks. Speaking to a local news channel, the UP fisheries minister suggested that excessive attention was being given to the incident and made an inappropriate comment about how people would have reacted had the chief minister “touched somewhere else.” Following the backlash, Nishad later claimed that his remarks were misunderstood and taken out of context.
The incident in question took place on Monday during an official event where Nitish Kumar, who had recently taken oath as Bihar’s chief minister for a record tenth term, was distributing appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors. Visuals from the event showed Kumar lifting or adjusting a woman’s hijab while handing over the letter. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was standing beside him, appeared to subtly intervene by pulling at Kumar’s sleeve, seemingly in an attempt to stop him.
Defending Kumar, Nishad claimed that the chief minister’s intention was merely to ensure that the appointment letter was being handed to the correct individual. He dismissed the public outrage as unnecessary and said people should not create a “hue and cry” over the touching of a veil. His remarks, delivered with a wry smile, were widely condemned for trivialising a woman’s dignity and crossing the bounds of acceptable public discourse.
The comments triggered a strong political and social backlash. Samajwadi Party leader Sumaiya Rana filed a formal complaint in Lucknow against both Nitish Kumar and Sanjay Nishad, demanding strict legal action over the incident and the subsequent remarks.
Facing mounting criticism, Nishad released a video statement in which he attempted to clarify his position. He said his words had been misinterpreted and argued that certain expressions are commonly used in the Purvanchal region to explain situations and should not be taken literally or maliciously.
The controversy also drew reactions from outside the political sphere. Actor Zaira Wasim, who rose to prominence with her role in the film Dangal, criticised Nitish Kumar’s actions and called for an apology. In a post on social media, she said a woman’s dignity and modesty should never be treated as objects of convenience or power, especially in a public setting, and stressed that authority does not justify violating personal boundaries.
The episode has unfolded against the backdrop of opposition allegations that Nitish Kumar is struggling with health and mental issues, with critics questioning his fitness to continue governing the state.
