In a swift turn of events, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has seemingly reversed his stance on lifting the ban on hijab in the state’s educational institutions, just a day after making the initial announcement.
While addressing a public meeting in Mysore on Friday, Siddaramaiah declared the government’s intention to repeal the hijab ban, citing issued instructions. However, in response to recent inquiries, the chief minister clarified that the decision had not been finalized, stating, “Someone asked me about lifting the ban on hijab. I stated that the government was contemplating canceling it. However, the issue has not yet been finalized.”
This announcement sparked immediate criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Siddaramaiah of fueling religious discord. State BJP President BY Vijender accused the chief minister of attempting to divide the state along religious lines and engaging in divisive politics.
The controversy quickly escalated into a national political issue, with leaders from various parties expressing diverse views. NCP MP Supriya Sole considered the hijab issue an internal matter for Karnataka, emphasizing that education should not become a pawn in political gamesmanship.
The BJP criticized the Congress for its alleged selective concern, highlighting reports of Hindu women being forced to remove their mangalsutra and toe rings during examinations.
At the Mysore public meeting, Siddaramaiah targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the inclusivity of his ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all) slogan. The Chief Minister alleged that the Modi government was sidelining certain religious communities.
In response to the controversy, ‘Miss Maskan,’ known for raising slogans of “Allahu Akbar” in response to sectarian slogans, expressed gratitude towards the chief minister and other leaders for their support. She emphasized hijab as a cultural right and called for unity, stating, “Hijab is our culture; it is our right. There should be no politics on education.”
As Karnataka becomes the center of attention amid this political and religious debate, questions about religious freedom, education, and the government’s role in shaping cultural practices remain at the forefront of the public discourse.
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