Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing political backlash after a video surfaced showing him pulling the hijab from the face of a newly appointed AYUSH doctor during an official ceremony in Patna, Indian media reported on Monday.

The incident occurred at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Samvad, where appointment letters were distributed to more than 1,000 AYUSH practitioners.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, triggered widespread criticism and raised concerns over women’s dignity and religious freedom.

According to Indian media reports, the episode unfolded when Nusrat Parveen, one of ten doctors receiving appointment letters directly from the Chief Minister, approached the stage wearing a hijab that partially covered her face.

Kumar appeared startled and was heard asking, “What is this?” before reaching out and pulling the hijab down.

Footage shows some attendees laughing as the doctor stood visibly uncomfortable.

An official later escorted her away, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was seen attempting to restrain Kumar during the moment.

The ceremony involved 1,283 newly appointed doctors, including 685 Ayurvedic practitioners, 393 homoeopathic doctors, and 205 Unani specialists.

Most appointment letters were issued online, with a small group receiving them in person.

Opposition parties swiftly condemned the Chief Minister’s actions.

The Congress Party, while sharing the video, termed the incident a “vile act” and demanded his resignation.

“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 wrote on social media platform X.

“If a person occupying the highest post in the state behaves in such a disgraceful manner in public, one can only imagine how safe women are in the state. Nitish Kumar should resign immediately for this reprehensible act”, the party said.

Commenting on the incident, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) said, “What has happened to Nitish ji? Has his mental state deteriorated completely, or has Nitish Babu has now become 100% Sanghi?”

Nitish Kumar has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister since 2015 and took oath for a ninth term following the 2025 state elections, amid ongoing public debate over his health.

Despite the backlash, the Chief Minister’s office has not issued an official response.

The newly appointed AYUSH doctors are set to serve in healthcare facilities under the AYUSH Medical Services and the National Health Mission, providing outpatient and community healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Bihar.