Nitish Hijab Row: Women In Kolkata Hold Massive Torch Rally, Maharashtra Scholars Demand Action

Kolkata/ Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Social media protests over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's controversial act of allegedly pulling a Muslim woman's hijab spilled into the streets of Kolkata as women held a massive torch rally here on Thursday.

Women from all faiths marched from Park Circus to Gariahat, holding 'mashals' and placards saying 'Mera Hijab Meri Pasand' while raising slogans of 'Hath Hatao'. The rally conveyed the message that be it a saree or a hijab, no man has the right to play with a woman's clothing and dignity. Also, the rally highlighted that religions may differ but dignity remains the same.

Priyadarshini, daughter of Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, said, "Dishonouring a woman means dishonouring India and this cannot be accepted in any way. When I first saw the video on social media, I thought it must be AI-generated because it is beyond my imagination that a Chief Minister, a man, could have a mentality such that he is pulling down a woman's veil on a stage."

Priyadarshini also questioned the silence of the Central government on this incident saying, "We see there is no response from the Central government on this issue till now but in neighbouring states, women's clothing is often mocked. If those who came to power by winning people's votes have this mentality, it is very scary."

Torch rally was held from Park Circus to Gariahat (ETV Bharat)

She further said, "Bengal believes in women power. If someone pulls our dupatta or salwar kameez tomorrow, will we remain silent? Society has changed. If you can't respect a girl, she knows how to snatch away her respect."

"I'm angry, I'm infuriated, I'm ashamed. From saree to hijab, respect is universal," she added.

Several women, regardless of caste or religion, joined the rally. Local councilor Rubina Naz, was also present here.

Priyadarshini, who was among the protesters (ETV Bharat)

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim responded to the Nitish Kumar hijab row saying, "Heaven is for the honest, hell is for the dishonest. Insulting those we are proud of, is an insult to India."

Earlier on Tuesday, attending an event to distribute job letters to around 1,200 AYUSH doctors, Bihar CM was initially seen speaking to a doctor, who had a vein on her face. Then, Kumar was seen pulling down her veil while Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary tried to stop him.

The incident triggered criticism from Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress while the Janata Dal (United) defended the CM saying he just wanted the society to see the face of a successful candidate.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Naushad Usman, a scholar and officer of the Islamic Information Centre, said Nitish Kumar holds an important position and should respect the cultures of our country. The incident should not be viewed through a Hindu-Muslim lens, but as an insult to a woman, he said demanding action against people who dishonour women.

"Instead of becoming aggressive, it should be explained how important the hijab is, not just for Muslim women, but for women of all communities. Whether someone calls it a hijab or a veil, its importance is the same everywhere. It is a protection of modesty. This logic needs to be explained and for this, we have created a special helpline to dispel misconceptions about Muslim community," he said.

"The act of pulling down a woman's hijab is condemnation and action should be taken against such a person. If you think hijab is for our protection, then its wrong. The country's law and police are capable of protecting us. Wearing hijab is our culture. The Constitution of India has given us the right to live according to our religion. We live accordingly and there is nothing wrong with that. Nitish Kumar is like a father figure and he should uphold the respect befitting his age and position. We will stop this matter with a protest, but it should be considered as to what kind of example such an act will set for ordinary people," said Shaista Qadri, convenor of the women's wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.

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