People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, along with National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, have strongly condemned an alleged incident in which Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen removing the burqa of a Muslim woman during a government function.
Mehbooba Mufti described the incident as shocking and offensive. She said she had known Nitish Kumar personally and always considered him a civilized and dignified person, often praising him for that. However, she said she herself was deeply hurt by this incident. Mufti questioned whether the act should be attributed to his advancing age or seen as part of a new mindset prevailing in the country that seeks to humiliate and harass Muslims.
She added that while the incident itself was disturbing, what was even more troubling was that people present at the event appeared to be watching it as a form of entertainment. Mufti said such behavior was unacceptable for someone holding a high constitutional position and questioned whether it was time for Nitish Kumar to step down from office.
National Conference senior leader and MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also termed the Bihar Chief Minister’s behavior highly objectionable and wrong. He said publicly removing a Muslim woman’s burqa amounted to a serious violation of her dignity and personal respect.
Ruhullah Mehdi demanded that Nitish Kumar offer an unconditional apology to the woman and to the public. He said the incident raised serious questions about the Chief Minister’s patience and mental state. He added that anyone holding a constitutional post must display restraint and mental stability.
Following the incident, Ruhullah Mehdi said it was necessary for Nitish Kumar to undergo a health check-up and seek advice from a mental health professional, and asserted that he should step down from his position.
