Nitish Kumar hijab row: Dangal actress Zaira Wasim calls VIRAL act ‘infuriating’, demands apology

Nitish Kumar viral video: Controversy erupted after a public event in Patna involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The incident occurred during a certificate distribution ceremony on December 16. A video from the event has since gone viral. It has triggered widespread criticism and debate. Former actor Zaira Wasim reacted strongly to the clip.

For the unversed, the video in question shows the 74-year-old Janata Dal (United) leader handing a certificate to an AYUSH doctor on stage. Moments later, he is seen gesturing towards the woman’s hijab.

When she did not immediately respond, Nitish reportedly reached out and pulled the hijab down himself. Her mouth and chin were exposed in front of the audience. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms. It drew national attention and sharp backlash.

Zaira Wasim demands apology from Bihar CM

Former Dangal and Secret Superstar actor Zaira Wasim responded to the video with a strongly worded post on X, describing the incident as “infuriating” and demanding an apology from the chief minister. The 25-year-old, who stepped away from acting in 2019 citing conflicts with her faith, called the act a clear violation of personal and religious boundaries.

“A woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman’s niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating. Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar owes that woman an unconditional apology,” her post read.

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Zaira Wasim demands apology from Bihar CM

Zaira Wasim demands apology from Bihar CM

Zaira Wasim’s response quickly resonated with many social media users, particularly within the Muslim community, who echoed concerns about consent and respect. The incident has been widely discussed as an example of how authority figures are expected to exercise restraint and sensitivity, especially during public interactions.

Political reactions have also followed. Leaders from the Congress party criticised the chief minister’s conduct, reportedly calling it “shameless”. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) went a step further, raising questions about Nitish’s judgment and mental state in the aftermath of the event. The criticism has added political weight to what began as a viral moment.

So far, no official statement has been issued by Nitish Kumar or his office addressing the allegations or the public outrage.