Hyderabad Congress demands apology, resignation from Nitish Kumar over hijab incident
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Congress demanded an immediate public apology and resignation from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident in which he allegedly removed the hijab of a woman doctor during a public function in Patna.
On Saturday, hundreds of Congress activists gathered near the Charminar and staged a protest. Hyderabad District Congress Committee president Syed Khalid Saifullah led the agitation. Protesters said the act violated a woman’s dignity, bodily autonomy and constitutional rights. Therefore, they warned that the agitation would continue until accountability was ensured.
While addressing the media, Khalid Saifullah said an apology alone was insufficient. Instead, he insisted that Nitish Kumar step down from office. He said the incident, captured on video and widely circulated, shocked the conscience of the nation. Moreover, he asserted that no individual, irrespective of position, had the right to interfere with a woman’s clothing without consent.
Hyderabad Congress cites Constitution, questions NCW silence
Meanwhile, Khalid thanked the citizens of Hyderabad, Congress workers, women’s organisations and student groups for supporting the protest. He said their presence reflected a united stand for dignity and justice. Importantly, he stressed that the issue was not political. Rather, it concerned basic human rights and women’s dignity.
Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, Khalid said the right to life and personal liberty included privacy, dignity and freedom of choice in attire. Consequently, he said the incident sent a dangerous message to society when a Chief Minister publicly disrespected a woman.
Further, Khalid criticised the National Commission for Women for remaining silent despite having powers under the NCW Act, 1990. He said the Commission had acted in several smaller cases earlier. However, its inaction in a case involving a sitting Chief Minister was disappointing. Hence, he demanded immediate suo motu action.
At the same time, Khalid warned that allowing such behaviour to go unchallenged would normalise abuse of power. He clarified that the protest remained peaceful and within legal limits. Additionally, he said democratic resistance was a constitutional right.
As part of the agitation, Khalid announced a toll-free miss-call number, 8826777445. Through this, he said people would receive a link to email the National Commission for Women directly. Subsequently, he added that the Congress would launch a large-scale email campaign until the Commission acted.
Leaders and activists from the Professional Congress, NSUI, Mahila Congress and Youth Congress participated in the protest. Those present included Shailender, Navika, Ashfaq Khan, Uzma Shakir and Mamata Nagi Reddy, along with Assembly in-charges Nagesh and Rajesh.
Finally, Khalid said the agitation marked only the beginning. Until Nitish Kumar apologised publicly, resigned from office and the NCW initiated action, he asserted, the Hyderabad Congress would continue its protest.