A moment during a government ceremony in Patna on Monday has triggered sharp political reactions after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar briefly lifted the veil of a woman while handing her an appointment letter. The event was organised to distribute recruitment documents to 1,283 newly appointed AYUSH practitioners, including 685 Ayurvedic, 393 Homeopathic, and 205 Unani doctors.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled the veil of a woman while distributing appointment letters to Ayush practitioners. Even Deputy CM tried to stop him. He wouldn't have done this if he was in his sense. There are several such videos of him behaving awkwardly. pic.twitter.com/M3za0FkQFe
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 15, 2025
The woman, who arrived on stage wearing an abaya and niqab, stood alongside dignitaries as Kumar presented her the appointment letter. In that instant, he lifted her veil for a moment, exposing her face before she stepped away. The gesture, captured on video, quickly circulated online and ignited a wave of criticism.
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the RJD, condemned the act strongly, with several leaders demanding Kumar’s resignation. They described the gesture as inappropriate and insensitive. Others, however, defended the Chief Minister, suggesting it may have been intended as professional guidance during a formal ceremony. As of now, neither Kumar nor his party has issued any response.
This incident adds to a series of past discussions surrounding Kumar’s stage behaviour, which some have attributed to age-related mannerisms. With political reactions intensifying, the moment has become a focal point in Bihar’s ongoing public discourse.
