Bihar Governor reacts to Nitish Kumar's naqab controversy

India Dec 20, 2025

Bihar's Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, says he's "disappointed" after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removed a doctor's naqab (face veil) during a government event on December 15, 2025.
The Governor described Kumar as a "father figure" to female students and said the incident "pains" him, emphasizing that he considers female students as his daughters.

Why does it matter?

This moment has sparked petitions from feminist groups and lots of debate—especially about consent and respect for religious freedom.
With calls for an inquiry and strong reactions from both officials and civil society, the controversy is shining a spotlight on how personal rights are handled in public spaces in Bihar.