Iltija Mufti Slams Nitish Kumar Over Veil Incident, Seeks His Resignation

Srinagar, December 16:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident in which he was seen pulling down the veil of a Muslim woman in public, describing the act as deeply insensitive and unbecoming of a constitutional authority. Calling the incident “shameful,” Mufti said that if the Chief Minister’s health no longer permits him to act with restraint and awareness, he should step down with dignity.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Iltija Mufti said that while she holds respect for Nitish Kumar as a senior leader, such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances. She pointed out the contradiction in publicly honouring a woman by conferring a degree and then violating her personal and religious space moments later. “You cannot on one hand award her and on the other humiliate her by pulling down her veil,” she said.

Mufti stressed that Bihar is home to a large Muslim population and the Chief Minister, as the head of the state, is expected to be sensitive to the cultural and religious practices of all communities. “For a Muslim woman, the veil is a matter of faith and personal choice. Holding a position of power does not grant anyone the right to disrespect that,” she remarked.

She also expressed concern over the reaction of those present at the event, alleging that the incident was treated casually by leaders on the dais. Referring to the response of Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, she said it was disturbing to see senior leaders laugh instead of recognising the seriousness of the act. Drawing a parallel, Mufti asked how people would have reacted if a similar act had been committed against a Hindu woman wearing a ghoonghat. “Would it have been dismissed as a joke then?” she questioned.

Issuing a warning against any repetition of such behaviour, Mufti said that power does not authorise humiliation or mockery of any community. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for basic respect and dignity,” she said, adding that repeated incidents would invite stronger opposition.

The PDP leader further questioned the Bihar government’s leadership choices, suggesting that if the Chief Minister’s age or health was affecting his judgment, the state should consider a change. “If someone is unable to differentiate between respect and humiliation, they should not be entrusted with governing a state,” she said, urging the Bihar government to take cognisance of the incident.

Mufti concluded by asserting that public humiliation of a woman, particularly in full public view, cannot be brushed aside as a trivial matter. “This is not about politics alone; it is about dignity, constitutional values and respect for diversity,” she added.

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