In a shocking incident that has ignited a massive political firestorm in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has found himself at the center of a severe controversy today, Monday, December 15, 2025. A video has gone viral across social media platforms purportedly showing the veteran Janata Dal (United) leader tugging at and pulling down the hijab of a female Muslim doctor during an official state function in Patna. The incident, which occurred in full public view, has drawn immediate and sharp condemnation from opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, who have questioned the Chief Minister's mental state and demanded his immediate resignation. **The Incident at 'Samvad'** The controversy unfolded at 'Samvad', the Chief Minister's secretariat in Patna, during a high-profile ceremony organized to distribute appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) doctors. The event was intended to be a celebration of the state government's efforts to bolster the healthcare sector, with over 1,000 doctors receiving their appointment letters. According to reports and the visual evidence circulating online, the situation took a bizarre turn when Dr. Nusrat Parveen, a newly appointed Unani practitioner, approached the stage to receive her letter from the Chief Minister. Dr. Parveen was wearing a hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women, which also covered part of her face. Eyewitnesses and the viral footage suggest that as the Chief Minister handed over the document, he paused and gestured towards her face. In the video, Nitish Kumar appears to frown and can be seen asking, "What is this?" pointing at her headscarf. Before the young doctor could adequately respond or react, the Chief Minister allegedly reached out and pulled the fabric down, exposing her face. The sudden and unexpected action left the doctor visibly uncomfortable and stunned the dignitaries present on the stage. **Attempts to Restrain the CM** The footage further reveals a moment of awkward panic among the officials and ministers sharing the dais. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was standing immediately next to Nitish Kumar, is seen in the video hurriedly reaching out to touch the Chief Minister's sleeve, in an apparent attempt to restrain him or signal him to stop. However, the action had already been committed. Other officials, including Health Minister Mangal Pandey, were also present during the uncomfortable exchange. Reports indicate that an official quickly stepped in to guide the female doctor away from the Chief Minister following the incident. **Opposition Unleashes Fury: "Is He 100% Sanghi Now?"** The political fallout was instantaneous. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the principal opposition party in Bihar, wasted no time in sharing the clip on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, launching a scathing attack on their former ally. The RJD's statement was blistering, questioning both the Chief Minister's ideological shift and his mental fitness. "What has happened to Nitish ji? Has his mental condition now reached a completely pathetic state, or has Nitish Babu now become 100% Sanghi?" the party asked in a post accompanying the video. The term "Sanghi" is a reference to the cadre of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, implying that Kumar has completely surrendered to the cultural politics of his alliance partners. Tejashwi Yadav's party did not stop there. RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed condemned the act as a direct assault on the dignity of women and a violation of constitutional rights. "Removing the hijab from the face of a Muslim woman who observes purdah amounts to snatching away her right to live according to her culture and religious beliefs," Ahmed stated. "This shows the kind of politics they practice in the name of women's empowerment." **Congress Demands Resignation** The Congress party echoed the RJD's sentiments, labeling the incident as "disgusting" and "vile." In a strong statement, the Bihar Congress unit demanded Nitish Kumar's immediate resignation, arguing that the state's women could not feel safe under a leader who displays such behavior publicly. "This is Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Look at his shamelessness—a female doctor had come to collect her appointment letter, and Nitish Kumar pulled off her hijab," the Congress posted on social media. "A man occupying the highest position in Bihar is openly indulging in such a vile act. Think about it—how safe will women be in the state? Nitish Kumar should immediately resign for this disgusting behavior. This vileness is unforgivable." **A Pattern of Controversies** Political analysts and critics have pointed out that this is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying pattern of erratic behavior displayed by the 74-year-old leader in recent months. The opposition has frequently alleged that the Chief Minister is suffering from health issues that affect his judgment and conduct. Just earlier this year, Nitish Kumar faced backlash for making what was widely perceived as a sexist remark in the state assembly regarding women's education and population control, for which he later apologized. In another instance, he was caught on camera placing a ceremonial plant on the head of a senior IAS officer during an event, an act that sparked laughter and confusion. Today's incident, however, is being viewed with far more severity due to its religious sensitivity and the physical violation of a woman's personal space and dignity. **Social Media Storm** The video has triggered a massive outcry on social media, with hashtags related to Nitish Kumar and the hijab controversy trending within hours. Netizens expressed shock and anger, with many calling the act a blatant disregard for consent and personal freedom. "I strongly condemn the disturbing incident from Bihar where CM Nitish Kumar is seen forcibly removing a Muslim woman doctor's hijab," wrote one user. "Who gave him the right to insult her dignity in a room full of people?" As the controversy deepens, the ruling JD(U)-BJP coalition faces a difficult task in managing the optics of this incident. While the government claims to be a champion of women's empowerment, images of the Chief Minister forcefully removing a woman's garment could prove to be politically damaging. As of now, the Chief Minister's office has not issued an official apology or clarification regarding the specific intent behind the action, leaving the narrative largely in the hands of an outraged opposition and public.