Patna: The newly formed Bihar Government has found itself facing an early controversy after two viral videos featuring Mithilesh Tiwari sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The controversy comes days after Samrat Choudhary, along with two deputy chief ministers and 32 ministers, formally assumed office.
One video shows the Education Minister commenting on student protests in Patna related to the TRE-4 examination, while another shows him participating in a jhad-phoonk ritual inside a temple.
Remarks On Women Protesters Draw Criticism
The first controversy emerged after Tiwari responded to questions regarding the police lathi-charge on students protesting over the TRE-4 recruitment examination in Patna.
During his remarks, he questioned the need for young women to “take to the streets”.
“Our daughters are our strength; they are the foundation of our prosperity,” Tiwari said. “What need is there for these daughters to take to the streets when PM Modi stands committed to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’? You will receive your rights regardless.”
Opposition leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Indian National Congress shared the video on social media, accusing the minister of making anti-women remarks.
B K Hariprasad said the comments reflected the BJP’s “true mindset” regarding women.
“While Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of women’s empowerment and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, ministers in Bihar are questioning why women should step out onto the streets,” he said.
He added that women in India would continue to “study, lead, raise questions and protest”.
BJP’s true mindset on women stands exposed yet again.
While PM @narendramodi delivers hollow speeches on women empowerment & “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, his own minister in Bihar, shamelessly questions why women need education or should step out onto the streets.
This is not a… pic.twitter.com/WNUAZfUC6q
— Hariprasad.B.K. (@HariprasadBK2) May 11, 2026
Temple Ritual Video Sparks Fresh Debate
A second viral video showed Tiwari inside a temple undergoing a ritualistic jhad-phoonk ceremony performed by a priest.
The footage shows the minister participating in puja rituals before bending forward while the priest performs the ceremony. A security personnel standing nearby appears to intervene briefly during the ritual.
The video quickly became a target for political criticism online.
The RJD mocked the incident, saying Bihar’s education system would now be improved through jhad-phoonk.
“This is Bihar’s Education Minister, Mithilesh Tiwari,” the party wrote on social media. “After 21 years of destroying Bihar’s education system, it now appears quality education will be delivered through ritual healing.”
No Official Clarification Yet
The Education Minister has not yet publicly responded to either controversy.
Attempts are reportedly being made to seek his clarification regarding both the viral statement on women protesters and the temple ritual video.
