A major political controversy has erupted in Bihar after Union Minister Giriraj Singh made inflammatory remarks about a woman seen in a viral video wearing a Naqab (face veil). The minister's statement, where he said the woman could "go to hell" ("jahannum mein jaye"), has triggered widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society, forcing his own party, the BJP, into damage control mode.
The Controversial Remarks and Their Context
The incident stems from a video that circulated widely on social media earlier this week. The footage showed a woman in a Naqab, identified as Shahana, along with her husband, interacting with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The couple reportedly approached the former Deputy Chief Minister with grievances related to a local issue.
While commenting on this video, Giriraj Singh, the Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, made his controversial statement. On Thursday, Singh told reporters, "If someone wears a Naqab and goes to meet Tejashwi Yadav, then she can go to hell (jahannum mein jaye)." He further questioned the woman's actions, asking why she needed to wear a veil to meet a political leader and present her problems.
The woman at the center of the storm, Shahana, has since come forward to clarify her position. She stated that she wears the Naqab as part of her religious belief and that her visit to Tejashwi Yadav was solely to seek help regarding a threat to her life from a local strongman. Her husband, Arman, supported her statement, emphasizing that her attire was a personal religious choice and not politically motivated.
Political Backlash and Demands for Apology
The reaction to Singh's comments was swift and severe. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) launched a sharp attack on the senior BJP leader. Tejashwi Yadav himself condemned the remarks, accusing Singh of displaying a "Talibani mentality" and showing disrespect towards women and their religious choices. The RJD has demanded an unconditional public apology from the Union Minister.
Other political voices also joined the criticism. Senior RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav slammed the comments as "highly objectionable" and indicative of the BJP's mindset. The controversy quickly gained traction on national news channels and social media platforms, with many users accusing Singh of misogyny and communally charged rhetoric.
Facing intense heat, the Bihar unit of the BJP attempted to distance itself from the remarks. State BJP President Samrat Choudhary stated that Singh's comments were his "personal opinion" and did not reflect the party's stance. This distancing act highlights the unease within the party ranks over the potential fallout from the minister's statement, especially concerning its impact on the party's outreach to women and minority communities.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Row
This incident is not an isolated one but adds fuel to an ongoing political tussle in Bihar. The state has recently witnessed a heated debate over the enforcement of a blanket ban on firecrackers during Diwali by the Nitish Kumar-led government, a decision the BJP opposed. The Naqab video controversy has now become intertwined with these existing political tensions.
Giriraj Singh, known for his often provocative statements, has stood by his comments despite the backlash. He has reiterated his质疑 about the "necessity" of wearing a Naqab to meet a political figure, framing it as a question of transparency and intent rather than an attack on religious freedom. However, critics argue that his language was derogatory and aimed at polarizing voters along religious lines.
The fallout from this episode continues to unfold. It has sparked a serious debate on several critical issues:
- The boundaries of political discourse and the use of inflammatory language against citizens.
- Women's autonomy and religious expression in the public sphere.
- The political weaponization of religious attire for partisan gains.
As of now, there has been no official statement or action from the central BJP leadership or the Prime Minister's Office regarding the minister's remarks. The opposition is likely to keep up the pressure, potentially raising the issue in Parliament. The incident underscores the volatile nature of identity politics in Bihar and sets the stage for further confrontation between the ruling alliance and the opposition in the run-up to future elections.
