Mayawati targets Nitish Kumar over hijab controversy, raises concerns on governance issues

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday took a swipe at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the controversy surrounding a Muslim woman doctor allegedly being asked to remove her hijab during an appointment letter distribution programme.

Terming the incident “sad and unfortunate,” Mayawati said the issue is directly related to women’s safety and dignity and should have been resolved long ago through the Chief Minister’s direct intervention.

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She further remarked that statements made by ministers have only deepened the controversy. In such a situation, she said, the Chief Minister should express remorse and put an end to the matter.

Mayawati also questioned an incident in Bahraich where a police salute was reportedly given to a religious storyteller (kathavachak) during a police parade. She said police parades and salutes have their own traditions, discipline, and decorum, and these should not be compromised. She demanded that the Director General of Police (DGP) take cognizance of the matter and initiate appropriate action.

Criticising the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s winter session, the BSP chief said it was diverted from issues of public interest. She noted that the government should have been held accountable on critical matters such as the shortage of fertilisers faced by farmers and other public welfare concerns.

Mayawati also described it as unfortunate that serious issues such as air pollution were not adequately discussed during the winter session of Parliament. She also urged the central government to adopt a long-term policy to address the growing anti-India activities in Bangladesh.