- Hyderabad Congress protest targets Nitish Kumar near Charminar
- Hyderabad Congress protest cites women’s dignity and rights
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Congress protest intensified on Saturday as hundreds of party activists gathered near the historic Charminar. They demanded an immediate public apology and resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a hijab incident during a public function in Patna. The protest was led by Hyderabad District Congress Committee president Syed Khalid Saifullah. Activists said the incident amounted to a serious violation of a woman’s dignity, bodily autonomy and constitutional rights.
The Hyderabad Congress protest drew large participation from party workers and supporters. Demonstrators accused the Bihar Chief Minister of violating women’s dignity and warned that the agitation would continue until strict action was taken. They asserted that the act, which was captured on video and circulated widely, could not be dismissed lightly. Therefore, they insisted on accountability at the highest level.
Speaking to media persons during the Hyderabad Congress protest, Khalid Saifullah said a mere apology would not suffice. He insisted that Nitish Kumar step down from office to ensure accountability. He said the incident had shocked the conscience of the nation. He also described the act as a physical assault carried out in full public view. According to him, no individual, irrespective of position or power, had the right to touch a woman or interfere with her clothing without consent.
Meanwhile, Khalid thanked the citizens of Hyderabad, Congress workers, women’s organisations, student groups and media representatives for standing with the protest. He said their presence reflected a collective stand for dignity, justice and the Constitution. He stressed that the issue was not political and did not concern party lines. Instead, he said, it was about basic human dignity and women’s rights. He added that silence was not an option when a woman was humiliated by someone holding constitutional authority.
Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, Khalid said the right to life and personal liberty included privacy, dignity and freedom of choice in attire. He said the incident affected every woman in the country. He warned that such conduct sent a dangerous message to society. Therefore, he said, it was unacceptable in a democratic and civilised country.
He also criticised the National Commission for Women for remaining silent despite its powers under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. He said the Commission had intervened in several lesser known incidents. However, its inaction in a case involving a sitting Chief Minister was deeply disappointing. He demanded immediate notice and action, saying the law must be equal for all.
Later, as part of the agitation, Khalid announced a toll free miss call number, 8826777445, to mobilise public participation. He said callers would receive a link to email the National Commission for Women demanding action. The protest also saw participation from leaders and activists of the Professional Congress, NSUI, Mahila Congress and Youth Congress, including Shailender, Navika, Ashfaq Khan, Uzma Shakir and Mamata Nagi Reddy, along with Assembly in charges Nagesh and Rajesh. He declared that the agitation would continue until accountability was ensured
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