The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's decision to revoke the hijab ban imposed by the previous BJP-led government. Through social media, the BJP accused Siddaramaiah of attempting to amend the Constitution to cater to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the minority communities. They expressed a belief that the public would respond to Siddaramaiah's actions in the near future.
The BJP claimed that Siddaramaiah's move sows seeds of division in the fabric of religious harmony, suggesting that the uniform guidelines were established to ensure equality among students in educational institutions, a stance also backed by the Supreme Court of India. They accused the Chief Minister of fostering divisiveness among school-going children regarding uniform choices.
In a move likely to stir controversy, Siddaramaiah announced the decision to lift the ban on hijabs for students in Karnataka, asserting that clothing should be a matter of individual choice, emphasizing that PM Modi's slogan of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikas' (Development for all) is hypocritical. He criticized the BJP for allegedly dividing society based on clothing and caste and reaffirmed the right of individuals to choose their attire and food habits.
Asserting that dressing and food habits are personal choices, Siddaramaiah defended the freedom to wear any attire, mentioning his own attire of dhoti and jubba (traditional clothing). He stated that the government would focus on aiding the impoverished and urged people not to align with those who deceive and spread falsehoods.
The previous BJP-led government had enforced the ban on hijabs in schools and pre-university colleges, a decision challenged by students in the Karnataka High Court, where the government's action was upheld. Currently, the matter remains pending in the Supreme Court.
The developments surrounding the ban on hijabs in educational institutions have sparked controversy and political tension in Karnataka, drawing attention to the balance between individual choice and institutional regulations.
(With Agency Inputs)
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