UP Minister Sanjay Nishad faces outrage over his comment on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulling a hijab from a woman’s face. He claims his words were misinterpreted, insists there was no ill intent, and offers to retract them if anyone was offended.
Nishad claims words misinterpreted, cites regional language style and no ill intent.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad is at the center of a political storm after his remarks on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar went viral. During an interview, Nishad commented on an incident where Kumar allegedly pulled down a hijab from a woman’s face, saying, “He is also a man; one should not go after someone so much. What happened if the veil was removed? What would have happened if he had touched somewhere else?”
The comment was widely condemned by opposition parties, activists, and social media users as misogynistic and inappropriate. Political leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party demanded an unconditional apology.
Attempting to calm the backlash, Nishad said his words were “misinterpreted” and had no malicious intent. Speaking to the media, he explained, “My remark was tweaked and twisted, misinterpreted, its spirit lost in cacophony and translation. If someone has taken offence, I am willing to take back the words from my side.”
He emphasized regional differences in language and expression, stating that in the Bhojpuri-speaking belt of Gorakhpur, casual remarks are often made to urge restraint or lighten a situation. Nishad said he used a similar style in Hindi without intending to insult anyone.
Viral: Nitish Kumar pulls down woman’s hijab at event; Opposition questions Bihar CM’s mental state
Nishad also defended Kumar’s actions during the government event in Patna, saying that the Chief Minister merely removed the veil to verify the beneficiary of a scheme. He added that the responsibility should have rested with the officials managing the programme. He insisted, “There was neither malice nor any intention of disrespect towards any woman, community, or religion.” Nishad further alleged that some were deliberately amplifying the issue for political gain.
Congress UP chief Ajay Rai condemned the remarks as “outrageously anti-women,” demanding an unconditional apology and threatening to seek the minister’s dismissal if none was offered. SP spokesperson Abbas Haider called Nishad’s comments “condemnable and undignified,” questioning whether such views reflected the BJP-led UP government’s stance.
The Aam Aadmi Party also criticized the minister, calling his statement “shameful” and “reflective of a crude and misogynistic mindset.” Social media platforms were flooded with posts criticizing Nishad’s remarks and highlighting concerns about women’s respect and safety.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sumaiyya Rana lodged a formal complaint at Kaisarbagh police station against both Nishad and Kumar. She highlighted the viral video showing Kumar pulling the hijab and demanded police investigation and registration of an FIR. Rana, who wears a hijab herself, stated that she could not remain silent about such an act and criticized delays in the police accepting her complaint.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ratnesh Singh confirmed that the matter is under investigation and that further action would follow based on the inquiry’s outcome.
