“Jahannum Mein Jaye”: Giriraj Singh on Girl Refusing to Take Job After Nitish Kumar Hijab Row

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has stepped firmly into the political storm surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a controversy erupted over an incident involving a veiled woman doctor at a government event.

Singh not only defended Kumar's actions but also sparked fresh outrage with his sharp remarks aimed at the woman who reportedly refused to accept her appointment letter.

The controversy has intensified political sparring between the ruling alliance and the Opposition, while drawing strong reactions from leaders across party lines and civil society.

Giriraj Singh Backs Nitish Kumar, Sparks Outrage

Speaking to reporters, Giriraj Singh reiterated his support for Nitish Kumar, asserting that the Chief Minister had done nothing inappropriate. Drawing parallels with routine identity checks, Singh said face verification is a basic requirement in many official processes.

"Nitish Kumar has done nothing wrong," Singh said.

"If anyone goes to take an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation? Nitish ji was acting as a guardian. If you go to take your passport, or go to the airport, do you not show your face? You talk about Pakistan and 'Englishtan'. This is India and only Indian laws will work here. Nitish Kumar did nothing wrong," he told journalists.

When asked about reports that the woman doctor refused to take the job following the incident, Singh responded bluntly, "Woh refuse kare yaah jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell)," before walking away.

Opposition and Public Figures React Sharply

Singh's remarks triggered immediate backlash, particularly from Opposition leaders and activists. PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, condemned the comments in a strongly worded post on X.

"Only phenyl will work to clean this man's filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs & naqabs of our Muslim mothers & sisters. Otherwise we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you & your ilk will remember for all times to come," she wrote.

Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, have accused the ruling alliance of trivialising concerns around dignity, consent and religious sensitivity.

What Happened at the Appointment Letter Event

The controversy stems from an event on Tuesday where Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors. During the programme, Kumar was seen interacting with a woman doctor wearing a veil and then briefly pulling it down, an act that was reportedly discouraged by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

The visuals quickly went viral, sparking debate over personal boundaries and religious freedom. Critics accused the Chief Minister of inappropriate conduct, while supporters claimed the action was misinterpreted.

JDU and Allies Offer Differing Defences

Facing sustained criticism, the Janata Dal United has attempted to shield Nitish Kumar from allegations of impropriety and claims related to his age and health. Party leaders have argued that such charges are politically motivated attacks on a leader who recently secured a fresh mandate as Chief Minister for the tenth time.

Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan said, "Nitish-ji just showed love to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to see the face of the girl after she became successful in life." Accusing Opposition leaders of trying to defame Kumar, Khan added that critics should recognise the Chief Minister's respect for women.

However, NDA ally and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad added fuel to the controversy with his remarks during a television interview. Speaking to Bharat Samachar, Nishad said, "Arey, woh bhi toh aadmi hain na, peeche nahi padna chahiye. Naqab chhoo diya toh itna ho gaya. Kahin aur chhoo dete toh kya ho jaata (He is a man after all. One should not hound him like this. If touching the 'hijab' caused such an uproar, what would have happened if he had touched elsewhere)."