The political controversy stemming from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling a doctor's hijab at a public event has now ignited a fresh conflict in neighbouring Jharkhand. The flashpoint is an offer of employment made to the doctor by Jharkhand's Health Minister, Dr Irfan Ansari, a move the state BJP has condemned as unconstitutional.
BJP Accuses Minister of Misusing Power
Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Rafiya Naz launched a sharp attack on Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari for publicly offering a government job to the doctor. Naz asserted that such an announcement by a minister violates constitutional norms and established recruitment procedures. "While ministers take oaths to uphold the Constitution, there is no legal provision allowing them to directly offer jobs or assure postings outside established recruitment processes," she stated.
Naz emphasized that misuse of office by a public servant attracts criminal liability, applying equally to ministers and officials. She questioned the selective nature of the support, asking why families of children who allegedly died due to medical negligence or ambulance shortages were not offered similar compensation. She also demanded transparency regarding Ansari's claim that any compensation would come from his personal salary.
Criticising the minister's priorities, Naz pointed to systemic issues in Jharkhand's health infrastructure. "The people of Jharkhand need a functioning and accountable health system, not statements and symbolism," she said, citing problems like ambulance shortages, alleged medical negligence, and poor budget utilisation.
Health Minister's Defence: Humanity Overrides Rules
In a robust defence of his action, Dr Irfan Ansari stated that humanitarian considerations take precedence over rules during a crisis. "When a crisis comes, people do not look at the rulebook. Being the health minister, it is my duty and under my jurisdiction…I have the power and the authority," he explained.
Ansari revealed he was in constant touch with the doctor and her family and asserted that the Congress party and the Jharkhand government, where the JMM and Congress are allies, would stand by her. He framed the incident as an issue of women's dignity that transcends religion or location. "An insult to women, irrespective of religion or location, would be opposed. The Congress will fight for her dignity. No one has the right to outrage a woman’s modesty," he declared.
He also mentioned that the Jharkhand government already has a policy of appointing specialist doctors on high salaries, up to Rs 3 lakh per month, to serve in rural areas.
The Genesis of the Controversy
The entire episode began on December 15, 2025, in Bihar. During a ceremony where the doctor was receiving her appointment letter, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar noticed her hijab, remarked "What is this?", and proceeded to pull down her veil. The video footage quickly went viral, sparking nationwide outrage and a political storm.
The incident drew criticism from various quarters, including the RJD and Congress in Bihar, and sharp remarks from Jammu and Kashmir's political leaders like former CM Omar Abdullah. While Nitish Kumar's JD(U) party urged the public to judge him by his overall work for women and Muslims rather than this "flash incident", the fallout has continued to spread beyond Bihar's borders, finding new fuel in Jharkhand's political landscape.
