Nitish Kumar Politely Declines Muslim Cap At Bihar Madrasa Event | Watch Video

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently declined a Muslim skullcap at a madrasa event, mirroring past criticisms of Narendra Modi. He discussed his political journey and initiatives for community development, highlighting financial support for Muslim women and infrastructural improvements.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who once criticised Narendra Modi for not wearing a Muslim skullcap, found himself in a similar situation recently. During an event by the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board in Patna, a Muslim leader offered him the cap. Nitish Kumar smiled and politely declined, using both hands to resist. Eventually, he accepted the cap but placed it on his colleague Mohammed Zama Khan's head instead.

In 2013, during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Nitish Kumar emphasised that an Indian leader should embrace symbols of both Muslim and Hindu communities. This was seen as a reference to Narendra Modi's refusal to wear a cap offered by a Muslim cleric. At that time, Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and had not yet become Prime Minister.

Nitish Kumar's Political Journey

Nitish Kumar's political journey has seen several shifts over the years. Initially part of the BJP-led NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he left due to disagreements with Modi's leadership following the 2002 Gujarat riots. However, by 2017, three years after Modi became Prime Minister, Nitish rejoined the NDA. He has since switched alliances multiple times but currently remains with the BJP for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly elections.

At the madrasa board event, Nitish Kumar highlighted initiatives for Muslims in Bihar. He mentioned financial assistance for abandoned Muslim women which started at ₹10,000 per month in 2007 and increased to ₹25,000 per month now. He also noted efforts like fencing graveyards and registering madrasas with government recognition.

Efforts for Community Development

Nitish Kumar claimed that before 2005, no significant work was done for Muslims in Bihar. Since 2006, graveyards have been fenced to prevent conflicts. Madrasas have been registered and teachers now receive salaries on par with government school teachers. He stressed that his administration has worked for all societal sections including Hindus and Muslims.

The video of Nitish Kumar refusing the cap went viral on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Although ANI initially shared it and later deleted it, other clips continued circulating online.