Insensitive and Misogynistic: UP Minister Sanjay Nishad’s Remark Deepens Nitish Kumar Hijab Controversy
What began as a controversy over the conduct of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has now escalated into a far graver political and moral crisis after Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad made a deeply insensitive and objectionable remark while attempting to defend the Chief Minister. Instead of addressing public concern with responsibility, the minister’s words have exposed a disturbing lack of sensitivity toward women’s dignity, consent, and personal boundaries.
Remark That Crossed All Limits
While responding to media questions on the viral video showing Nitish Kumar removing a woman doctor’s hijab during a public event, Sanjay Nishad sought to trivialise the outrage by stating:
The remark was immediately condemned across political and social circles for being crude, misogynistic, and grossly inappropriate. Critics argue that the statement not only diminishes the seriousness of the original incident but also introduces a disturbing line of thought that normalises physical intrusion and disrespect toward women.
Deflecting Accountability Instead of Addressing It
Rather than acknowledging concerns about a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and religious identity, Nishad’s comment attempted to shift blame onto public perception, implying that the issue was being exaggerated. This approach has been widely criticised as a classic example of political gaslighting, where legitimate concerns are dismissed instead of being addressed with accountability.
Observers note that such remarks reveal a deeply patriarchal mindset, especially alarming when expressed by someone holding ministerial responsibility.
Outrage from Women’s Rights Groups and Opposition
Women’s rights activists strongly criticised the minister, stating that his words reflect how casually women’s dignity is compromised in political discourse. Several organisations demanded his immediate removal from public office, arguing that leaders who speak this way cannot be trusted to uphold constitutional values or protect women’s rights.
Opposition leaders accused the ruling establishment of shielding misconduct rather than condemning it. They stressed that when ministers justify inappropriate behaviour instead of condemning it, it sends a dangerous signal to society — that power grants immunity from basic standards of decency.
Clarification Falls Flat
Following mounting backlash, Sanjay Nishad issued a clarification claiming his words were misunderstood and that he harboured no ill intent. However, the explanation failed to pacify critics, many of whom pointed out that intent cannot excuse language that degrades women and trivialises consent.
Political analysts noted that the clarification appeared to be damage control rather than genuine reflection, further eroding public trust.
A Pattern of Normalising Disrespect
This episode has intensified concerns about a broader pattern in Indian politics where women’s bodies, clothing, and choices become subjects of casual commentary by male leaders. The controversy has sparked renewed calls for ethical training, accountability mechanisms, and stricter consequences for offensive conduct by public representatives.
Beyond One Remark
What makes this incident particularly troubling is that it goes beyond a single statement. It reflects:
- A failure to understand personal and religious boundaries
- A refusal to accept institutional accountability
- A casual acceptance of language that demeans women
Legal complaints filed in connection with the remark underline the seriousness of the issue and signal growing public intolerance toward such behaviour.
Conclusion
Sanjay Nishad’s remark has transformed an already sensitive issue into a stark reminder of how far political discourse still needs to evolve. When ministers respond to criticism with crude hypotheticals rather than remorse or responsibility, it exposes a moral vacuum at the heart of governance.
In a democracy that claims to respect women and minorities, such remarks are not merely controversial — they are unacceptable.
