Ever since the hijab controversy has come to light, it has become a national talking point involving parties and leaders from all across the country. The row, which revolves around refusal to grant permission to Muslim girls for wearing hijab (headscarf), has attracted comments from both state-level and national-level prominent political leaders. Given the polarizing propensity of the controversy especially in the context of elections in 5 states in the country, it becomes imperative on our part to know what prominent leaders and personalities said about this issue.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai:
“We're awaiting directions from Karnataka HC. I appeal to students to maintain peace & harmony. I've directed school administration to see there're no clashes b/w students. Appeal to all concerned persons from outside not to make provocative statements.”
“All the concerned people (in the Udupi hijab row) should keep the peace & let children study. The matter will be presented in High Court today, let’s wait for it”
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra (after reports of violence in the state):
“Action will be taken wherever unpleasant things have happened. Police has registered cases. We have arrested a few people, they are outsiders, not students, after inquiry, we will let you know. Govt is expecting court orders by the end of the day. We can't advise the court. We have to accept it when the court orders.”
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Karnataka’s Primary and Secondary Education minister BC Nagesh:
“Law of the land has to be followed. If they've to study, then they must adhere to dress code prescribed by schools/admin.”
“Whole situation was under control till Feb 1, only when some political parties instigated it there was reaction from the other section of society also. We appeal to students not to take law into their hands.”
“SDPI-backed Campus Front of India is behind it (events of violence and stone-pelting). Complete details will be known after investigation. Law and order must be maintained in the state.”
Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka:
“Govt's not in favour of either #Hijab or Kesari. Students can wear whatever they want on streets, but dress code is compulsory in schools. We closed schools &colleges as a precautionary measure for students' safety. Congress is behind this politics.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra:
“It's a woman's right to wear whatever she wants, be it bikini, hijab, saree, jeans or 'ghoonghat'. No one has the right to tell a woman what to wear. There shouldn't be any politics on this.”
Also read| Hijab row: Tense situation continues in K'taka, 15 held for violence
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi:
"By letting students’ hijab come in the way of their education, we are robbing the future of the daughters of India. Ma Saraswati gives knowledge to all. She doesn’t differentiate."
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge:
“The government should resolve the hijab row according to the rules. Opposition parties should not use the hijab controversy for political gains… Girls wearing hijab have been coming to school and college for a long time. Karnataka is a state with multi-culture practice but some political parties are behind this controversy.”
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha:
“We asked govt to give a statement on the atrocities being committed on the muslim girls in Karnataka and other places in the name of hijab. But govt did not pay heed to our demand, so we staged a walkout from Lok Sabha.”
CPM MP Elamaram Kareem:
“Students wearing hijab along with uniform for so many yrs. In some educational institutes colour of headscarf prescribed… Deliberately manufactured to cause division & arouse communal sentiments.”
Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM leader:
“I pray that our sisters fighting for their right to wear hijab are successful in their fight. Grave violation of the Constitution's Art 15, 19 & 21 is being committed in Karnataka. I condemn this decision of Karnataka's BJP govt.”
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi:
“All students must follow the dress code prescribed by the schools/administration. Law and order must be maintained in the State. We need to see who are these people instigating the students.”
Advocate Kamat appearing on behalf of Muslim girls in Karnataka High court:
“Secularism in India is different, we practice positive secularism… Our secularism is based on respect... State respects all religion.”
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate:
“Refusing to let girls go to school in their hijabs is horrifying. Objectification of women persists — for wearing less or more. Indian leaders must stop the marginalisation of Muslim women.”
