Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad has sparked a fresh political controversy with his remarks defending Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the viral hijab-removal incident at a government event in Patna.

Speaking to local news channel Bharat Samachar, Nishad claimed that Nitish Kumar removed the woman’s hijab only to verify her identity while handing over an appointment letter. Downplaying the outrage, the minister questioned how the incident would have been perceived had the Chief Minister “touched her somewhere else.”

“Hijab kheench nahi rahe hain, hata rahe hain, yeh jaanchne ke liye ki sahi vyakti ko niyukti patra diya ja raha hai… naqab chhoo diya toh itna ho gaya… kahin aur chhoo dete toh kya ho jaata,” Nishad said during the interview, smiling as he spoke.

The remarks were widely condemned across political lines, with critics calling them derogatory and reflective of a deeply misogynistic mindset.

The controversy stems from a viral video showing Nitish Kumar asking a newly recruited AYUSH doctor to remove her hijab during a certificate distribution ceremony in Patna.

When she appeared hesitant, the Chief Minister is seen pulling the veil down himself, triggering widespread outrage. Opposition parties described the act as public harassment by a constitutional authority.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate strongly criticised Nishad’s comments, saying, “These shameless words are being said with a laugh by UP government minister Sanjay Nishad. The sly laughter shows his vile, absurd, and misogynistic mindset.”

Amid the backlash, Nishad later issued a clarification, claiming his remarks were made casually and without malice. “There was no ill intention towards any community, any woman, or any religion. My words were spoken smilingly and in my local Bhojpuri dialect,” he told news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been lodged at Kaiserbagh Police Station in Lucknow against both Nitish Kumar and Sanjay Nishad. The complaint was filed by Samajwadi Party leader Sumaiya Rana, who demanded strict legal action.

“For a person holding a constitutional position to behave in this manner encourages others to do the same,” Rana told ANI.

Advocate Misham Zaidi, accompanying Rana, said the incident and subsequent remarks attract serious penal provisions, including Section 153A, alleging that they hurt the modesty of a woman and incited religious sentiments.