India, Dec. 19 -- Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday strongly defended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar amid the growing controversy over an incident in which Kumar was seen pulling down the veil of a woman doctor during an official event, triggering widespread political backlash.

"If someone goes to receive an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this an Islamic nation? This is India, and Indian laws will apply here," Singh told reporters, adding that the Chief Minister was acting "like a guardian."

Singh compared the incident to procedures followed while obtaining passports or travelling through airports, insisting there was no misconduct on Kumar's part.

The comments drew sharp reactions from opposition le...