Ranchi, Dec 21 (NationPress) Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has faced intense backlash from leaders in Jharkhand as the hijab controversy intensifies. Opposition parties are demanding accountability, accusing him of disrespecting women.

This criticism follows the Jharkhand government's decision to extend a job offer to Bihar AYUSH doctor Nusrat Praveen, who ceased attending work after a hijab-related incident.

On Saturday, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari revealed that he had proposed a position to the doctor with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, a government-provided residence, and a preferred posting, in reaction to the hijab controversy that arose during a recent appointment letter distribution in Bihar.

Ansari asserted that Nitish Kumar aimed to insult the hijab and the Muslim community by forcibly removing a woman’s veil.

Manoj Kumar Pandey, spokesperson for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), echoed Ansari's sentiments, labeling the incident a “shameful act” and accused Kumar of publicly humiliating the female physician.

Pandey remarked to IANS, “What transpired in Bihar was disgraceful, and I view it as nothing short of shameful. A Chief Minister publicly insulting a woman is intolerable.”

“Our concern lies not with religion or caste, but with the treatment of women. Why is this issue being downplayed? Why hasn’t Nitish Kumar been dismissed? Can a person of such mental state continue to serve as Bihar's Chief Minister? Are such leaders the only ones available in the BJP-led alliance?” he questioned.

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha also criticized Kumar, accusing him of “disrespecting the dignity of women.”

Speaking to IANS, Sinha stated, “When someone within the constitutional framework undermines the dignity of women, it becomes our duty to restore that dignity. The Congress upholds the honor of mothers and sisters, irrespective of their religion, community, or caste.”

He further targeted the NDA allies, asserting, “It’s inherent in the nature of the BJP and its allies to disrespect women and violate their dignity.”

“Given the consistent behavior of Nitish Kumar's alliance leaders, it was expected that when the woman felt emotionally overwhelmed and decided to withdraw, we would extend an invitation to her to join us in Jharkhand, assuring her that her dignity would be upheld under the Mahagathbandhan government and the Congress party, with employment guaranteed,” he added.

The incident, a video of which has been widely circulated, sparked significant political controversy. This occurred on December 20 at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Patna, where AYUSH doctors gathered to receive their appointment letters.

As the woman approached to collect her letter, Nitish Kumar remarked on her hijab, instructing her to remove it, questioning, “What’s this?” before lifting the hijab himself.

The footage spread rapidly, shared by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), igniting a political firestorm.

Opposition parties raised their voices against this act, leading to nationwide debates on the matter.