Congress activists, led by Hyderabad District Congress Committee (DCC) chief Syed Khalid Saifullah, staged a protest on Saturday, demanding immediate public apology and resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident in which he allegedly pulled off the hijab of a woman doctor at a public function in Patna.

The protesters termed the act a grave violation of a woman’s dignity and constitutional rights, and warned that the agitation would continue until strict action was taken.

Khalid Saifullah told media that a mere apology would not suffice and insisted that Nitish Kumar step down to ensure accountability.

He said the incident, captured on video and widely circulated, had shocked the conscience of the nation and could not be dismissed as a trivial lapse.

Calling it a physical assault carried out in full public view, he asserted that no individual, regardless of position or power, had the right to touch a woman or interfere with her clothing without consent.

Thanking the citizens of Hyderabad, Congress workers, women’s organisations, student groups and media representatives for supporting the protest, Khalid said their presence reflected a collective stand for dignity, justice and constitutional values.

He stressed that the issue transcended political affiliations and was fundamentally about women’s rights and human dignity.

Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, Khalid said the right to life and personal liberty included the right to privacy, dignity and freedom of choice in attire.

He warned that such a conduct by a person holding constitutional office sent a dangerous message to society by implying that women’s bodies and choices were open to public interference.

Khalid also criticised the National Commission for Women (NCW) for remaining silent despite being empowered under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to take suo motu action.

He said the Commission’s inaction in a case involving a sitting Chief Minister was deeply disappointing and demanded immediate notice and action, asserting that the law must be equal for all.

Warning that allowing such behaviour to go unchallenged would normalise abuse of power, Khalid said Hyderabad was standing up for women, the Constitution and justice.

He emphasised that the protest was peaceful and within the bounds of law, describing democratic resistance as a constitutional right.

As part of the agitation, Khalid announced the launch of a toll-free miss-call number to mobilise public participation. Those giving a miss-call would receive a link enabling them to send emails directly to the NCW demanding action against the Bihar Chief Minister.

He said the Congress would also initiate a bulk email campaign to ensure sustained pressure on the Commission.

The protest witnessed participation from leaders and activists of the NSUI, Mahila Congress and Youth Congress, along with Assembly in-charges.