Controversy Surrounding Bihar Chief Minister’s Actions
Minister’s Response to Reports
Patna: In light of the ongoing controversy regarding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s public removal of a newly recruited AYUSH doctor’s veil, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey stated on Thursday that he was unaware of claims suggesting the female doctor had declined to join her duties. The senior BJP leader aimed to downplay the controversy by emphasizing that the ruling NDA in Bihar has consistently worked towards the empowerment of women, referred to as “Matri Shakti.”
Details of the Incident
“I have no such information,” was Pandey’s succinct response when questioned by journalists about reports indicating that the AYUSH doctor from Kolkata had refused the government position following the incident earlier this week, as reported by the news agency PTI.
The AYUSH doctor was one of ten individuals who attended the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday to receive their appointment letters. During the ceremony, when it was her turn, the 75-year-old Chief Minister pointed to her hijab and exclaimed, “What is this?” before pulling it down to reveal her face.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked significant backlash, with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, alongside National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, vocally condemning Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and demanding an unconditional apology. Mufti criticized Kumar for his actions, which have been perceived as disrespectful to Muslim traditions and have drawn criticism not only domestically but also from several West Asian countries.
Minister’s Defense of the Chief Minister
Despite the uproar, Minister Pandey defended the Chief Minister, asserting, “Women have always been respected by our CM, who has made significant efforts for the empowerment of Matri Shakti.”