Row over alleged incident involving Bihar CM, NCW action sought

By A Representative 

The National Federation of Youth Movement (NFYM) has condemned an alleged recent incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in which he was reportedly seen pulling the niqab of a Muslim woman, and has demanded that the National Commission for Women (NCW) take cognisance of the matter.

In a press statement issued to the media, NFYM Chairman Masihuzzama Ansari described the incident as unfortunate and said it amounted to an affront to the dignity and self-respect of a woman. He urged the NCW to issue a notice to the Chief Minister and ensure appropriate action.

The organisation stated that individuals occupying constitutional offices are expected to demonstrate sensitivity, restraint and responsible conduct, and that such behaviour runs contrary to democratic values, constitutional propriety and social norms.

Referring to claims made by some quarters that the Chief Minister may be mentally unwell, NFYM said that mental illness cannot be cited as a justification for inappropriate conduct. It added that if a person is genuinely unfit to discharge responsibilities due to mental health reasons, they should refrain from holding constitutional office or participating in public engagements.

NFYM appealed to the NCW to view the matter as an issue concerning a woman’s dignity and identity, and to act without discrimination. The organisation reiterated that there can be no compromise on the respect, dignity and rights of women.

The statement also expressed concern over what NFYM described as a pattern of incidents in recent years affecting Muslims, other minority communities, vulnerable sections and marginalised groups, particularly women and children, in educational institutions and other social spaces.

NFYM further alleged that in several cases, mental illness has been cited as a defence to evade legal and social accountability, which it said undermines both the justice system and democratic values. It referred to past cases, including the “Sulli Deals” and “Bulli Bai” online harassment incidents involving Muslim women, as well as the July 31, 2023 shooting incident on a superfast express train, where mental illness was reportedly cited later.

The organisation asserted that such incidents should not be treated as isolated acts but as matters of broader social and institutional responsibility, and called for strict legal action against those found guilty, without any discrimination.