In a significant political upheaval, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for an apology from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident involving a woman doctor’s veil during a government function. This event, which unfolded on Monday at the Bihar Secretariat, has ignited widespread controversy across the nation.
The controversy erupted when Kumar, during an appointment letter distribution for AYUSH doctors, allegedly pulled down the woman doctor’s naqab, questioning, “What is this?” Abdullah expressed outrage, stating there exists no justification for such an action. He labeled the act as unacceptable.
“Would you do such an act? I would not,” Abdullah remarked to reporters in Jammu. He revealed that the assaulted doctor has since declined to accept her appointment letter, indicating a deeper impact than initially perceived. Abdullah insisted that Kumar must issue a public apology to the doctor and encourage her to proceed with her professional role.
In response to comments from Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who defended Kumar, Abdullah dismissed the ruling party’s stance. He noted, “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.”
Further, Abdullah stressed that the issue extends beyond religion—it embodies dignity and conduct. “How can anyone touch a woman’s clothes like this? Why did the Chief Minister feel the need to do so?” he questioned, calling out Kumar to recognize the gravity of his action.
Addressing other pressing issues, Abdullah responded to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, who remarked on the party’s supposed ‘total defeat’ during the aerial conflict with Pakistan on the first day of Operation Sindoor. Abdullah contended that it reflected his personal view and not the Congress’s official position. “The Congress and other opposition parties stood firmly with the government and the defence forces after the Pahalgam terror attack,” he clarified.
Omar Abdullah also participated in the 11th edition of the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Role Model Series, where he shared his insights on the concept of the “idea of India”. Highlighting the historical decision of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to India during Partition, he elucidated, “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 that interpretations of this idea might differ, he emphasized that democracy provides space for debate, despite personal concerns over certain developments.
Lastly, Abdullah expressed concern over ongoing discussions based on religious identity surrounding contentious matters like medical college admissions and sports selections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the statistics released after the admissions at Vaishno Devi Medical College, where 42 out of 50 students in the first MBBS batch were Muslims, he observed similar debates surrounding the J&K football team for the Santosh Trophy.
“The only balance that should matter is between the talented and the untalented,” Abdullah stated emphatically, reinforcing his belief in a merit-based society. He concluded, “The India I want for our children is one where merit alone decides how far they go—nothing else. If someone passes the exam or plays football well, their religion should be irrelevant.”
