Did UP Minister Sanjay Nishad Truly Justify His Hijab Comments?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad has come under fire for comments related to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's hijab incident. Nishad claims his remarks were taken out of context and have been exaggerated. The controversy raises questions about regional language nuances and the political landscape surrounding sensitive topics like women's rights.
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Nishad defended his remarks as taken out of context.
- The controversy erupted after a video involving Nitish Kumar surfaced.
- Critics accused Nishad of insensitivity, while he maintains a cultural perspective.
- The incident underscores the importance of understanding regional languages.
- Political interpretations of incidents can lead to unnecessary backlash.
Lucknow, Dec 17 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad on Wednesday defended his controversial statements related to the hijab incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He asserted that his remarks were often made in various regional languages where meanings are expressed in a 'simple' and 'informal' manner, and claimed his words were being 'deliberately exaggerated'.
Nishad had recently ignited a debate while speaking to a regional news outlet, where his comments in Hindi implied that the hijab-related situation concerning the Bihar Chief Minister was overly dramatized.
He stated, '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 too, don't pursue him relentlessly. He merely touched the naqab… what if he had touched elsewhere?), smiling as he conveyed this during the discussion.
The comments incited significant backlash and sharp criticism from various political factions and social media users.
In light of the uproar, the Uttar Pradesh Minister clarified that his statements had been misinterpreted and misrepresented.
In an interview with IANS, Nishad expressed, 'I communicate in Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Hindi, and other dialects frequently. It's known that in rural settings, certain expressions are articulated in a straightforward, informal manner. This should not be perceived as an insult, yet the issue has been escalated unnecessarily. There was no intention to offend any woman or faith. If anyone feels hurt, I retract my statement. My focus has always been on advocating for women's rights and promoting social reform. I champion social progress and unity.'
He further accused critics of exaggerating his comments for political gain.
'It's unfortunate that some individuals are intentionally amplifying my statements and framing them within a political narrative, which is unjust. They should refrain from creating unwarranted controversies. Understanding languages and cultures should be the goal, rather than inciting debates. We need a mindset that unites society, not divides it,' Nishad added.
His comments emerged amidst the controversy involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which surfaced after a video circulated online from a government event in Patna.
In this footage, the Bihar Chief Minister was observed handing a certificate to an AYUSH doctor while gesturing for her to remove her hijab. Before she could react, Nitish Kumar reached out and pulled it down himself, momentarily revealing her mouth and chin.
While some attendees laughed, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was also seen trying to intervene and halt Nitish Kumar, as the video continued to circulate and attract criticism.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the discourse surrounding Minister Sanjay Nishad's comments with a balanced perspective. While his remarks have sparked outrage, understanding the cultural nuances of language is essential. This incident highlights the delicate balance between political expression and social sensitivities, a conversation that must continue in a democratic society.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sanjay Nishad say about the hijab controversy?
Sanjay Nishad defended his comments, stating they were made in a simple and informal manner, and that they have been exaggerated.
How did the public react to Nishad's remarks?
His comments triggered widespread outrage and criticism from political circles and social media users.
What clarification did Nishad provide regarding his statements?
Nishad clarified that his remarks were misunderstood and that there was no intention to offend any woman or religion.
What incident sparked the controversy involving Nitish Kumar?
The controversy arose after a video surfaced showing Nitish Kumar gesturing for a doctor to remove her hijab at a government function.
What is the broader implication of this incident?
This situation highlights the ongoing dialogue about cultural sensitivity and the political narrative surrounding women's rights.
