Mehbooba Mufti, Ruhullah Mehdi slam Bihar CM for publicly pulling woman’s burqa
‘Incident reflects growing normalization of public humiliation of Muslims in India’
Srinagar: Senior political leaders from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including Mehbooba Mufti and Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, have strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video surfaced showing him publicly pulling at a Muslim woman’s burqa during an official function, triggering widespread outrage and debate.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock, describing the act as the growing normalisation of public humiliation of Muslims in India. In her statement, Mufti said the incident itself was disturbing, but what was even more unsettling was the manner in which those present appeared to watch the episode unfold as a form of entertainment. Mufti remarked that such behaviour was unbecoming of a person holding a high constitutional office and asked whether it was time for Nitish Kumar to step down.
Echoing similar concerns, National Conference leader and Indian parliament member from Srinagar Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi described the Bihar Chief Minister’s conduct as indefensible and deeply disturbing. In a statement, Ruhullah said that publicly pulling at a Muslim woman’s burqa amounted to a serious violation of dignity and personal respect. He asserted that Nitish Kumar owed the woman and the public an unconditional apology.
Ruhullah further said the erratic nature of the conduct raised alarming questions about the Bihar Chief Minister’s composure and mental clarity, which he said were essential for anyone occupying a constitutional position.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the act, calling it “shameful”. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, she said if Nitish Kumar’s health is not good, he should step down with decency and dignity. “Do you not know what it means for a Muslim woman to wear her veil? Just because you are the chief minister does not give you the right to pull it down.” Iltija Mufti further warned the Bihar CM against repeating such an incident.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions across political and social circles across India, with many calling for accountability. Indian opposition parties termed the incident an act of humiliation, misogyny and a violation of the constitutional rights of Muslim women. Social media users accused the BJP-led dispensation and its allies of promoting Islamophobia and legitimizing discriminatory behavior against Muslims. Critics pointed out that this was not the first time Nitish Kumar had been embroiled in controversy, recalling earlier incidents that had offended religious sentiments and raised concerns about his conduct.
