Bihar doctor whose hijab Nitish pulled down fails to join duty

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Health Minister offers her ‘a government position with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, along with government accommodation and a preferred posting’

The incident sparked a political row, with critics accusing the CM of overstepping his boundaries. (File Photo)

The doctor whose hijab was pulled down by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar earlier this week during a public event did not report for her assigned duty on Saturday.

The doctor was scheduled to report to the Sabalpur Community Health Centre (CHC) under Patna Sadar by 6 pm on Saturday. However, according to official sources, she did not show up at the designated time.

The official added, “Saturday was the final deadline for her to join, and if a revised date is issued by the Health Department to extend the joining date, those instructions will be complied with accordingly.” The doctor was not available for comment.

Express Opinion | What Nitish Kumar hijab row reveals about agency, gender and religion

The issue has drawn criticism both inside and outside the state. On Saturday, Dr Irfan Ansari, the Health Minister of Jharkhand, while condemning the actions of the Bihar CM, offered the doctor “a government position in Jharkhand with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, along with government accommodation and a preferred posting”. “I am a doctor first, and then a minister. What happened has hurt the entire medical fraternity and will send the wrong message to India,” he said.

The controversy surrounding the doctor began on December 15, when she was handed her appointment letter by the CM. Video footage of the appointment ceremony went viral when the CM, noticing her hijab, remarked, “What is this?” and pulled down the veil.

The incident sparked a political row, with critics accusing the CM of overstepping his boundaries. While the RJD and the Congress in the state questioned his mental state, some of the sharpest criticism came from Jammu and Kashmir, including its CM Omar Abdullah. The JD(U), however, said Nitish should be judged not by a “flash incident” but by all he has done for women and Muslims.

Express Opinion | A doctor, a chief minister and an act of pulling down a niqab. Can questionable mental state be a justification?

The appointment letter, issued by the AYUSH department, is part of a standard process wherein candidates must first report to the Civil Surgeon’s office for document verification. Following this, they are assigned a posting at a Community Health Centre (CHC).

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The incident has also drawn a reaction from Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who, speaking to reporters on Saturday, said, “It pains me to hear the word ‘dispute’ in this case. Can there be any row between a father and a daughter?”

Khan, who referred to the CM’s action as a fatherly gesture, questioned the nature of the controversy, emphasising that Kumar had treated the doctor with the same respect as he would a daughter. “What have you people made out of it? This man considers female students as his daughters,” Khan said.

Himanshu Harsh

Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More

Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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