On 23 December 2023, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that his government is considering lifting the ban on hijab but emphasized that no final decision has been made yet.
CM Siddaramaiah on hijab ban
Siddaramaiah’s decision to lift the hijab ban has not been demanded by anyone. All communities are united on this issue. The court has already decided that the same uniform is required for attending classes. It seems like Siddaramaiah has made this decision hastily just to please the Muslim community.
This decision will not have any impact on the Lok Sabha elections.
Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying that he has directed officials to lift the ban imposed during the previous BJP rule and that individuals are free to wear what they choose. However, he clarified, “We haven’t done it (revoking the Hijab ban) yet. Someone asked me a question (about lifting the Hijab ban). I replied that the government is considering revoking it.” He stated, “The choice of clothes is one’s own prerogative”.
When was the Hijab Ban imposed?
During the BJP regime in 2022, the wearing of hijab (head scarf) was prohibited in educational institutions in the state. When asked if the ban would be lifted in the current academic year, the CM Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yediyurappa stated that it would be decided after discussions at the government level.
The hijab ban issue sparked a major political storm in the state last year, with the matter reaching the Karnataka HC, which upheld the state government’s decision. The issue was subsequently resolved in the Supreme Court, where a two-judge bench delivered a split verdict. The Supreme Court then stated it would consider setting up a three-judge bench to adjudicate the matter.
Students at educational institutions were prohibited from wearing the hijab by the previous BJP government in the State. When the case went to the Karnataka High Court, it was decided to maintain the ban the then-BJP government had put in place. The Karnataka High Court was upheld as a result of the Supreme Court’s divided decision in this case.
Congress on BJP
Siddaramaiah has been vocal about his views on the hijab controversy and its political implications. He has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of exploiting the hijab issue to create divisions in society based on attire and caste. He has also suggested that the BJP’s actions are a calculated move to hinder Muslim girls from pursuing their education.
Siddaramaiah has questioned why the government couldn’t have resolved the hijab issue and why students can wear a turban but not a hijab. He has also noted that girls have been wearing the hijab for years without causing any disruption to peace.
BJP criticizes Congress on hijab issue
The government has faced criticism from the opposition BJP over its stance on the hijab issue. The BJP expressed concerns about the impact on the “secular essence” of educational environments due to this decision.
BJP’s Karnataka chief B Y Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of disrupting the academic atmosphere and engaging in “appeasement politics” ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Vijayendra compared the Congress’s approach to the British “divide and rule” policy, suggesting it perpetuated a legacy rather than fostering progress.
Is it a political move?
The different incidents just few the election is making people confuse. The arousal of the issue before the election made the are seems to be a chance of the congress to win the hearts of citizens of Karnataka. Hijab issue is more likely to be a religious topic and so it is sensitive.
