New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena-UBT has taken aim at Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad for his controversial comments defending Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. During a public event in Patna, Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down a woman doctor's hijab, prompting party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi to assert that such remarks expose a deeply misogynistic mindset and a willingness to undermine a woman's dignity to rationalize inappropriate behavior.

In an interview with IANS, Chaturvedi stated that these statements reveal the regressive attitudes of leaders who belittle women's autonomy and dignity. She remarked, "This reflects their misogynistic mindset, demonstrating that they can disregard a woman's dignity to justify a wrongful act. Sanjay Nishad's comments are not only offensive but also entirely unacceptable, and he should issue an apology. His claim of a 'different interpretation' is disingenuous and merely underscores their mentality."

Chaturvedi expanded her critique, stating that leaders from various regions and parties within the BJP-led coalition consistently exhibit anti-women attitudes. She noted, "From South to North, from Nitish Kumar to Prajwal Revanna, the BJP and its affiliates have perpetually shown anti-women sentiments. They seek votes from women but fail to respect them. Nitish Kumar has yet to apologize, and instead of condemning the act, individuals are coming to his defense."

She emphasized that the debate transcends religious attire and fundamentally concerns respect for women. "This isn't solely about the burqa or hijab. Even if it were a dupatta, no one has the right to interfere with a woman's choice of clothing. What a woman decides to wear is her personal decision. Both Nitish Kumar and Sanjay Nishad should apologize. One is a Chief Minister and the other a Minister. Such remarks are disgraceful," she stated.

Amid this, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo attempted to downplay the incident, arguing that it was being unnecessarily politicized. He said, "There’s no need to comment on such trivial remarks. The woman was of Nitish Kumar's granddaughter's age, and he was merely offering his blessings. As a state leader and a figure akin to a guardian, such interpretations are unwarranted."

While addressing a regional news channel, Nishad made remarks in Hindi implying that the incident had been exaggerated. "Arey, woh bhi toh aadmi hain na, peeche nahi padna chahiye. Naqab chhoo diya toh itna ho gaya… kahin aur chhoo dete toh kya ho jaata (Oh, he is a man after all, don't go after him. He touched the naqab and all this ensured.. what if he had touched elsewhere)," he said, grinning.

The comments ignited widespread outrage and condemnation across political and social channels. Following the backlash, the Uttar Pradesh Minister sought to clarify, asserting that his statements had been misconstrued. “The statement that sparked this controversy was made casually, with a smile, and in my local Bhojpuri dialect. There was no ill intent towards any community, woman, or religion, nor any desire to insult,” he claimed.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated on social media depicting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a government function in Patna. There, the 74-year-old leader was observed presenting a certificate to an AYUSH doctor while gesturing for her to remove her hijab. Before she could respond, he reached out and pulled it down himself, momentarily revealing her mouth and chin. While some attendees chuckled, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was observed attempting to intervene.