Srinagar, Dec 19 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has lodged an FIR against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of making remarks that she said were derogatory, unacceptable and an affront to the dignity of Indian women.
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, Iltija Mufti said such statements will no longer be tolerated and warned that silence should not be mistaken for acceptance. “As Indian women, we have every right to express ourselves, participate in public life and do whatever the Constitution allows us to do. No one has the authority to demean or silence us,” she said.
Calling her action a stand for women across the country, Iltija Mufti said the FIR was lodged not just for herself but for “every woman who refuses to be spoken down to or disrespected.” She asserted that public figures, especially those holding constitutional positions, must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
“This should be considered a last warning,” she said, adding that any further attempt to undermine the dignity of women would be met with strong legal and democratic resistance. “We will not tolerate this anymore,” she declared.
Iltija Mufti said that India’s Constitution guarantees equality, dignity and freedom of expression, and no individual—regardless of political stature—can be allowed to violate those principles. She emphasized that casual or insensitive remarks by leaders contribute to a culture of disrespect and must be challenged decisively.
The PDP leader further said that political power does not grant immunity from accountability. “Being in office does not give anyone a licence to insult women. The law is equal for all,” she said, urging institutions to take the complaint seriously and act in accordance with the law.
The issue has triggered political reactions, with women’s rights activists and opposition leaders demanding accountability and greater sensitivity from public representatives. Several voices on social media have also backed Iltija Mufti’s move, calling it a necessary step to uphold women’s dignity in public discourse.
Iltija Mufti reiterated that her fight is not political but principled. “This is about respect, rights and the message we send to future generations. If we stay silent today, we normalise disrespect tomorrow,” she said.
The matter is now before the authorities following the registration of the FIR.
