Javed Akhtar Slams Nitish Kumar Over Veil Incident, Demands Unconditional Apology

Post by : Saif Nasser

Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a controversial incident involving a Muslim woman at a public function in Patna. Akhtar said the chief minister owes an unconditional apology to the woman whose veil was removed without her consent.

The incident took place during an official event called Samvad at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where appointment letters were being handed out to newly selected candidates. A video from the event, now widely shared on social media, shows Nitish Kumar questioning the woman’s veil, known as a naqab, and then removing it himself.

The video quickly triggered a political and social debate across the country. Many people accused the chief minister of disrespecting personal choice, religious customs, and a woman’s dignity. The matter has also drawn criticism from outside India, including reactions from some West Asian countries.

Reacting to the controversy, Javed Akhtar posted a strong message on social media platform X. He made it clear that while he has long opposed the traditional idea of parda or face covering, he does not support forcing anyone to remove it.

Akhtar said that personal beliefs should never justify touching or humiliating another person in public. He described the act as unacceptable and said the woman deserved respect. According to him, disagreement with a tradition does not give anyone the right to insult or embarrass someone who follows it.

The lyricist also responded sharply to people who accused him of showing “selective outrage.” He rejected the claim and said he has always spoken against regressive thinking, even within his own community. He challenged critics to point out any of his films where women were shown in a disrespectful way.

Akhtar has often spoken openly about women’s freedom and dignity. At a literary event earlier this year, he questioned why a woman should feel ashamed of her face and said that dignity does not depend on covering or uncovering oneself.

The controversy has put Nitish Kumar and his party under pressure, with opposition leaders and social activists demanding an apology and accountability. The incident has also reopened a larger debate on personal choice, respect for religious practices, and the behaviour expected from public leaders.

As the debate continues, many believe the focus should remain on mutual respect and consent, especially when actions come from people in positions of power.