Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar apologize to a woman doctor whose veil was pulled down during a government event, escalating a controversy that has sparked public outrage.
The incident, which occurred on Monday at the Bihar Secretariat during an appointment letter distribution ceremony for AYUSH doctors, drew widespread criticism after Kumar allegedly removed the woman doctor’s naqab and remarked, “What is this?” Abdullah condemned the act as unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah emphasized that no justification exists for Kumar’s actions. “How can anyone touch a woman’s clothes like this?” he asked. Abdullah revealed that the affected doctor has since declined her appointment and expressed her intention not to join government service.
“Nitish Kumar should apologize to her and persuade her to take up the job,” Abdullah stated, underscoring the importance of dignity in such public interactions. He further criticized the BJP’s response, referencing Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who defended Kumar’s behavior.
Abdullah drew attention to the double standards in how similar incidents might play out in different contexts. “If a Muslim leader had touched the veil of a Hindu woman in Haryana or Rajasthan, there would have been a huge uproar. But since the woman here is Muslim, the BJP finds nothing wrong,” he remarked.
Clarifying his stance, Abdullah declared that the matter transcends religion and focuses on respect and decorum in public life. He urged Kumar to recognize the gravity of his mistake and offer a public apology.
On broader political issues, Abdullah responded to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan‘s commentary regarding a perceived “total defeat” in the aerial fight with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He asserted that Chavan’s views reflect only personal opinion and do not encapsulate the Congress party’s official stance.
“The Congress and other opposition parties stood firmly with the government and the defense forces after the Pahalgam terror attack,” he affirmed, emphasizing national unity over partisan politics.
During his visit, Abdullah participated in the 11th edition of the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Role Model Series, where he highlighted the concept of an inclusive “idea of India.” He reflected on Jammu and Kashmir’s historical decision to accede to India, reinforcing the state’s identity within the national framework.
“I come from a Muslim-majority State which could have gone with Pakistan at the time of Partition, especially because it shared a border. Yet Jammu and Kashmir chose India. That choice defines the idea of India we must protect,” he stated.
Abdullah acknowledged the diverse interpretations of the “idea of India” but asserted that democracy and majority rule must coexist with respectful debate, even as he expressed concern about specific developments.
He also addressed current controversies surrounding admissions and selections in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing discussions framed by religious identity. Abdullah cited a recent instance where 42 out of 50 students in the Vaishno Devi Medical College’s first MBBS batch were Muslim, alongside debates regarding the J&K football team selections for the Santosh Trophy.
“The only balance that should matter is between the talented and the untalented,” he argued passionately. “The India I want for our children is one where merit alone decides how far they go—nothing else. If someone passes the exam or plays football well, their religion should be irrelevant.”
