Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to apologise to a woman doctor after he pulled down her veil during a government function in Patna. This incident, which occurred on Monday, has ignited widespread controversy across the nation.
During a media interaction in Jammu, Abdullah stated that Kumar’s action was entirely unjustified. The event took place at the Bihar Secretariat as part of an appointment letter distribution ceremony for AYUSH doctors. Witnesses reported that Kumar allegedly removed the woman’s naqab while exclaiming, “What is this?”
“Would you do such an act? I would not,” Abdullah argued, highlighting the disrespect shown to the female doctor. Moreover, he noted that the doctor has declined to accept her appointment letter in protest, indicating that she will not join government service as a result of the incident.
Abdullah urged Nitish Kumar to issue a public apology and convince the doctor to reconsider her decision. He asserted, “This is not merely about religion but about dignity and conduct.”
In response to Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who defended Kumar’s behaviour, Abdullah expressed disappointment. He emphasised that the ruling party’s reaction would differ if a Muslim leader had acted similarly towards a Hindu woman. “If a Muslim leader had touched the veil of a Hindu woman in Haryana or Rajasthan, there would have been a huge uproar. But since the woman here is Muslim, the BJP finds nothing wrong,” he remarked.
Highlighting the core issue, Abdullah stated, “How can anyone touch a woman’s clothes like this? Why did the Chief Minister feel the need to do so?” His comments call for Kumar to recognise his error and apologise for his actions.
Additionally, Abdullah addressed comments made by Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan regarding India’s operations against Pakistan. Referring to Chavan’s remarks about suffering a “total defeat” in aerial operations, Abdullah clarified that such statements reflect personal views rather than an official party stance. He noted that the Congress and opposition parties have stood united with the government and defence forces, particularly following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Omar Abdullah engaged in discussions concerning the evolving “idea of India” during his visit to the city as a part of the 11th edition of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Role Model Series. He articulated Jammu and Kashmir’s historical choice to accede to India amidst the Partition, stating, “I come from a Muslim-majority State which could have gone with Pakistan, yet Jammu and Kashmir chose India. That choice defines the idea of India we must protect.”
While acknowledging differing ideas of India, he stated that democracy allows for debate, although some developments cause him concern. He called for unity in diversity, advocating for a nation where all faiths coexist peacefully.
Abdullah further critiqued the ongoing discussions surrounding merit-based admissions in medical colleges and sports selections. He referred to recent controversies over the religious composition of admissions in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically mentioning that 42 out of 50 students accepted into the Vaishno Devi Medical College were Muslims. He also alluded to the concerns raised about the J&K football team’s makeup for the Santosh Trophy.
“The only balance that should matter is between the talented and the untalented,” he asserted. “The India I want for our children is one where merit alone decides how far they go—nothing else.” Abdullah firmly believes that an individual’s religion should not affect their academic or athletic achievements, advocating for a meritocratic society.
