Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP, stating that the ban on hijab was divisive and accused the party...
Digital Desk: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday the withdrawal of the state government's order banning hijab in schools and colleges. He emphasized that the choice of clothing is a personal prerogative. This move overturns the hijab ban introduced by the previous BJP government in 2022, a decision that had sparked controversy.
Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP, stating that the ban on hijab was divisive and accused the party of dividing society based on clothing and caste. The decision is expected to stir political tensions, as the BJP has firmly expressed its opposition to any attempt to lift the hijab ban.
Earlier this year, the government allowed students to wear hijab during competitive exams, suggesting a possible reversal of the ban. The ban, initially implemented by a government college in Udupi in February 2022, triggered widespread protests and counter-protests, leading to the closure of educational institutions across the state.
The matter reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict on October 13. The division bench recommended referring the issue to a larger bench, and it currently awaits resolution in the top court. With the Chief Minister's directive to withdraw the hijab ban, Karnataka finds itself at the centre of a renewed debate on religious attire in educational institutions, adding another layer to the ongoing socio-political discourse.
Continue Reading
