New Delhi
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday strongly defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a controversial incident in Patna in which the Chief Minister pulled down the veil of a Muslim woman doctor at a public appointment ceremony, triggering widespread criticism.
Responding to the backlash, Singh asserted that Nitish Kumar had “done nothing wrong” and described the Chief Minister’s actions as those of a “guardian.” Referring to the incident involving a newly recruited AYUSH doctor, Singh questioned the appropriateness of covering one’s face while receiving an official appointment letter. “If someone is coming to collect an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic country?” he asked, adding that India functions under the rule of law.
Singh went on to draw comparisons with identity verification at airports and passport offices, arguing that showing one’s face is a routine requirement. When asked about reports suggesting that the doctor had declined to take up the job due to trauma caused by the incident, the minister made a sharp remark, saying that whether she refused the job or “went to hell” was her personal choice.
The comments came as Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said he had no information about the doctor rejecting the appointment and attempted to justify Nitish Kumar’s conduct by highlighting the Chief Minister’s record on women’s empowerment.
The incident occurred on Monday when Nusrat Parveen, a doctor from Kolkata, was among ten AYUSH doctors receiving appointment letters at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. As she approached the stage, the 75-year-old Chief Minister reportedly questioned her veil before pulling it down.
Opposition leaders across parties condemned Singh’s remarks, calling them offensive and insensitive. Congress MP Tariq Anwar described Singh as having a “cheap mentality,” while PDP leader Iltija Mufti and NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan also strongly criticised both the incident and the subsequent defence of it.
