Criticism Mounts as Nitish Kumar Faces Backlash Over Hijab Controversy

Jammu and Kashmir's Omar Abdullah criticizes Bihar CM Nitish Kumar after a viral video shows him removing a woman's hijab. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, drawing responses from various political figures who express concern over Kumar's actions perceived as insensitive toward Muslim women.

In a sharp critique, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah censured Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday following the circulation of a controversial video. The footage purportedly shows Kumar attempting to remove a woman's hijab during a public event, unraveling his long-held image as a secular leader.

The incident, deemed "unfortunate" by Abdullah, has evoked memories of a similar event during elections in Jammu and Kashmir, where a woman's burqa was asked to be removed. The controversy has fueled nationwide criticism and prompted responses from political figures across party lines, challenging Kumar's sensitivity towards Muslim women.

The video surfaced at a government ceremony in Patna, showing Kumar lowering the head covering of a woman while distributing certificates. PDP leader Iltija Mufti condemned the act, branding it as "very shameful" and questioning Kumar's mindset. Meanwhile, other political leaders, including those from the Samajwadi Party and Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin, have called for strict actions and expressed health concerns about the Chief Minister.