Patna: Muslim woman doctor Nusrat Parveen is likely to join her duties at Patna Sadar Primary Health Centre (PHC) on Saturday, a day after indicating that she is not upset with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The information was shared by Prof Dr Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Principal of the Government Tibbi College, on Friday.
According to the principal, Dr Nusrat conveyed her decision during a conversation with one of her close friends. “She said she is not angry with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and will join her job on Saturday,” Prof Rahman said.
Nusrat’s friend Bilkish Parveen said the doctor generally observes purdah and described the incident as inappropriate. “What happened was wrong. No one has the right to touch a woman’s body or clothing in such a manner,” she said, adding that Nusrat maintains modest attire as a matter of personal choice.
Political Reactions Intensify
The incident has triggered sharp political reactions across the country. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised Nitish Kumar, saying the issue goes beyond religious identity. “Imagine if a Hindu woman from Haryana or Rajasthan had her veil removed by force. There would have been massive outrage. This is about the dignity of a woman,” Abdullah said, adding that the Bihar Chief Minister should acknowledge his mistake and apologise to the doctor.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, lodged an FIR against Nitish Kumar at a Srinagar police station. She also criticised leaders who defended the Chief Minister. “If this had happened to a Hindu girl, the reaction would have been very different,” she said.
Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barq called the act “shameful” and demanded an apology, warning that legal action should follow if none is offered. RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha termed the visuals from the event “deeply disturbing.”
Meanwhile, protests erupted in West Bengal, where hundreds of Muslim women took to the streets, holding marches and torch rallies demanding an apology from Nitish Kumar. Demonstrators said the issue was about respect and women’s dignity.
Leaders Defend the Chief Minister
Some political figures, however, defended Nitish Kumar. Union Minister Giriraj Singh said the Chief Minister did nothing wrong, arguing that a person collecting an appointment letter should show their face.
Hindu religious leader Sadhvi Prachi also supported Nitish Kumar during a programme in Aligarh, stating that removing the hijab was justified. She further made remarks calling for restrictions on hijab in educational institutions, which have since drawn criticism.
What Happened at the Event
The controversy stems from an event held on December 15, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors. During the ceremony, Nusrat Parveen received her appointment letter. The Chief Minister then gestured towards her hijab, asked about it, and reportedly asked her to remove it. Moments later, he removed the hijab himself.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was seen attempting to intervene by pulling the Chief Minister’s sleeve. The doctor appeared visibly uncomfortable for a brief period, while some people present at the event were seen laughing. Officials then handed her the appointment letter again and asked her to leave the stage.
The incident has since sparked a wider debate on women’s dignity, personal choice, and conduct by public representatives, even as Nusrat Parveen prepares to join her post amid the continuing political storm.
