In a sharp political attack, Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for the resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Her demand follows a widely reported incident where a female student in Bihar's Kishanganj district was allegedly forced to remove her hijab during a competitive exam.
Condemnation of the Kishanganj Incident
Iltija Mufti expressed strong condemnation of the event that took place at a recruitment examination center. She described the act of making the student remove her headscarf as a direct assault on her dignity and religious freedom. The incident occurred on February 15, 2024, during an exam conducted by the Bihar Subordinate Selection Commission (BSSC).
Mufti accused the Bihar administration, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, of failing to protect the fundamental rights of a citizen. She argued that such actions create an atmosphere of fear and discrimination against Muslim women, undermining the secular fabric of the nation. Her statement highlighted the emotional and psychological distress caused to the young student.
A Call for Accountability and Resignation
Directly addressing the Chief Minister, Iltija Mufti stated, "Please step down." She held him ultimately responsible for the actions of the state machinery. Her critique extended beyond this single event, linking it to a broader pattern where, she claims, the rights of minorities are being eroded under various state governments.
She invoked the legacy of her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, reminding Nitish Kumar of his past alliances and commitments to secular politics. Mufti questioned how a leader who once positioned himself as a champion of social justice could preside over such an infringement of basic rights.
Political Repercussions and Broader Context
The hijab incident in Kishanganj has ignited a fresh political debate in Bihar and drawn national attention. Opposition parties have seized upon the event to criticize the Nitish Kumar-led government's record on minority welfare. The controversy comes at a sensitive time in Bihar's politics, adding pressure on the ruling coalition.
Iltija Mufti's forceful intervention amplifies the demand for a thorough investigation and strict action against the officials involved at the exam center. She emphasized that mere apologies are insufficient and that concrete administrative and political accountability must follow.
This episode is seen as part of the ongoing national discourse on religious symbols in educational and public spaces. The PDP leader's statement frames it not just as a local law-and-order issue, but as a significant test of India's constitutional values of equality and freedom of religion.
